Lady Brett Ashley Essay
Brianna Boyd
English Composition II
Prof Nathan Elliot
29 January 2015
Ernest Hemingway’s fictitious novel “The Sun Also Rises” remains one of my favorite novels because of the illustration of how complex, yet fragile human relationships can be. The interaction between characters set up a compelling work that delves much deeper than surface impressions. The character development of Lady Brett Ashley was especially captivating in the literary piece. Throughout the novel, Lady Brett was seen as none other than a shallow and corrupt alcoholic whom waltzed from man to man and seemed no better than a neighborhood prostitute when it came to her sexual relationships. She detested commitment and had no problem manipulating others to achieve what …show more content…
When Jake questioned her love for him, she promptly responded with “Love you? I simply turn to jelly when you touch me.” (26) The outright nature of her answer showed that Lady Brett undeniably felt some type of emotion for Jake. The fact that Lady Brett never revealed her feelings to anyone else in the novel further illustrates this idea. Unfortunately, Jake’s impotency due to an accident in the war completely clashed with what Lady Brett craves the most-sex. A rift was inevitably torn between the two obvious lovers- one that can never be bridged. Brett is, essentially, the constant reminder to Jake of all that he can never obtain-Love, happiness, hope and content. Regardless of the apparent dilemma Jake does not give up. He later asks Brett: “Couldn’t we live together, Brett? Couldn't we just live together?" (26) In Brett’s eyes, a relationship without sex was not a relationship at all, so once again the conflict separated the two soul mates. The entire situation between Jake and Brett was distressing and pitiable. The turmoil that the two faced felt relatable. The desperation for closeness that the characters faced demonstrated the vulnerability of human
English Composition II
Prof Nathan Elliot
29 January 2015
Ernest Hemingway’s fictitious novel “The Sun Also Rises” remains one of my favorite novels because of the illustration of how complex, yet fragile human relationships can be. The interaction between characters set up a compelling work that delves much deeper than surface impressions. The character development of Lady Brett Ashley was especially captivating in the literary piece. Throughout the novel, Lady Brett was seen as none other than a shallow and corrupt alcoholic whom waltzed from man to man and seemed no better than a neighborhood prostitute when it came to her sexual relationships. She detested commitment and had no problem manipulating others to achieve what …show more content…
When Jake questioned her love for him, she promptly responded with “Love you? I simply turn to jelly when you touch me.” (26) The outright nature of her answer showed that Lady Brett undeniably felt some type of emotion for Jake. The fact that Lady Brett never revealed her feelings to anyone else in the novel further illustrates this idea. Unfortunately, Jake’s impotency due to an accident in the war completely clashed with what Lady Brett craves the most-sex. A rift was inevitably torn between the two obvious lovers- one that can never be bridged. Brett is, essentially, the constant reminder to Jake of all that he can never obtain-Love, happiness, hope and content. Regardless of the apparent dilemma Jake does not give up. He later asks Brett: “Couldn’t we live together, Brett? Couldn't we just live together?" (26) In Brett’s eyes, a relationship without sex was not a relationship at all, so once again the conflict separated the two soul mates. The entire situation between Jake and Brett was distressing and pitiable. The turmoil that the two faced felt relatable. The desperation for closeness that the characters faced demonstrated the vulnerability of human