Symbolism In The Sun Also Rises By Hemingway

The Hemingway Code is basically someone who lives his life correctly by following the values of bravery, perseverance and dignity. According to Hemingway, in order to be a true hero, one must face the world without fear of the outcome, or rely on any external force such as God for the answers. In the novel, "The Sun Also Rises", it is clear that the character Jake Barnes is experiencing difficulties of his own by trying to discover a code to live by. It is mentioned several times that Jake is not a truly religious person- he identifies as a Catholic but has trouble praying when it is appropriate and almost mocks his alternating sense of faith. Jake had experienced the horrors of World War 1, and unfortunately ended up impotent. This experience
This scene shows that Jake is anxious about his religious stance, because according to Hemingway, if Jake were truly religious, he would have no issue praying for himself. Food, beer and intimacy are three things that Jake truly lives by, which coincide with the Hemingway Code. It seems as though Hemingway's code is basically telling men to prove their masculinity and strength. When it comes to Brett, however, it harder for Jake to do so. Brett had made it clear to Jake that his impotency would make it impossible for her to be truly happy with him. Jake offers her emotional intimacy by always being there when she needs him, but he cannot offer the side of himself that Brett needs in a relationship- which is sex. Jake states that if it not had been for Brett, he wouldn't feel as badly about his injury. What makes it worse is that some of the friends who surround Jake have the ability to pursue Brett in a sexual way. Cohn for example, meets Brett and is entirely smitten with
Mike feels frustrated that he is not able to dominate and control Brett, so he puts down other people so she will not stray from him. Jake also struggles with not being about to dominate Brett and make her monogamous to him, but his injury makes it impossible to do so. This kind of physical injury soon leads to more of an emotional and internal struggle. His lost sense of manhood as well as his love for Brett slowly takes a toll on him. Jake is faced no other option but to rely solely on himself, because he cannot admit to Cohn or Brett's fiancé of the feelings that he is having. This type of independence coincides with Hemingway's Code because he has learned to turn only to himself. In order to keep his suffering at bay, Jake spends his time with friends- who he at times resents- drinking too much and partying too late. There are times, however, when Jake takes a step back from this chaotic and dramatic world and does the things he actually enjoys such as fishing and participating in other sports. This also goes along with the Hemingway Code since this brings out a sense of masculinity in Jake that is absent in other