Ecline and Fall and Sun also Rises :: Free Essay Writer

Ecline and Fall and Sun also Rises Though Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, and Evelyn Waugh's Decline and Fall are written by two different authors, they share similar content and themes. In The Sun Also Rises, Brett desires Jake but cannot commit as a result of Jake's impotence. Similarly, in Decline and Fall, Margot cannot commit to Paul because of his time in jail. Both men seem to be infatuated with someone who does not share the same interests in their relationship. These relationships are hollow, showing no emotion and are only based on sex. In The Sun Also Rises, Brett claims she does not want to get involved with Jake, yet the underlying truth is more evident through her actions. While driving around the city, Brett and Jake have a deep discussion about their relationship. Brett says, "Don't touch me" (25). However, when Jake asks if she loves him, she responds, "Love you? I simply turn all to jelly when you touch me"(26). Their conversation becomes ironic when Brett says, "When I think of all the hell I've put chaps through. I'm paying for it now" (26). After hurting so many men, who she could not love, she is now being hurt by someone who could not love her. Later on in the novel, Brett visits Jake's apartment. After a conversation, Jake feels desperate and asks Brett. "couldn't we just live together?" (55). Brett responds by saying, " I don't think so. I'd just tromper...stand it" (55). Although it is quite evident that Brett wants to be with Jake, she still does not encourage the idea of living together. She openly admits that she will cheat on him if this was to ever happen. Jake's jealously is certainly displayed when Robert defends Brett. Jake tells Robert that Brett did not love any of the men she had married in the past. Robert tells Jake, "I didn't ask you to insult her" (39). By the end of their argument, one may feel a sense of pity for Robert and his childish behaviour. However, Jake feels more than pity for Robert; he feels a sense of anger and jealousy towards the man who is about to make a pass at the woman he loves. When Brett tells Jake that she is going to San Sebastian to get away from him, Jake abases himself and asks her if he can go too.