Hemingway Code Hero Essay

The Hemingway code hero emerged in the post-World War I era as a new type of hyper-masculine protagonist that embodied the new beliefs and values of the generation that lived through the war. As the name suggests, this new character type was the creation of Ernest Hemingway. A code hero, as they were called, lived by a strict, self-defined code of conduct; they were often self-indulgent, disillusioned, and very strong under pressure. Though many of Hemingway’s works feature code heroes, it is debatable whether or not Jake Barnes, the narrator and main protagonist of The Sun Also Rises, could be considered one of these code heroes. Among Hemingway’s protagonists, Jake is probably the most unique. He does not completely fit the general mold of
While Jake Barnes has not committed himself to a relationship, much less to one with the woman whom he loves, it is out of necessity and circumstances, not by choice. Jake still takes every opportunity to he can to be with Brett, and is more often than not subject to her whims. He even notes that he “probably…never would have had any trouble [regarding his impotency] if [he] hadn’t run into Brett when they shipped [him] to England” (31). Brett is Jake’s greatest weakness. Jake may have been able to face becoming impotent with grace if he had fallen for any other woman. However, Brett is someone with an insatiable sex drive and an inability to maintain a non-physical relationship. Thus, the both of them are unable to act on their feelings for each other, knowing that any attempt at an actual relationship would only end in failure and heartbreak. Jake might have made an ideal code hero had he not succumbed to the weakness that comes with falling in love. Despite their mutual affection for each other, their current relationship is damaging to them both, Jake most of all. Other than his devotion to Brett and subsequently his showing weakness around her, Jake closely adheres to the standard of a code