Sun Also Rises Brett Ashley

Sun Also Rises

Brett Ashley catalyzes the plot of Hemingway's the Sun Also Rises, providing the pivotal impetus for the sometimes insane decisions made by Jake, Cohn, and Mike. Without meaning to cause them harm, Brett becomes the source of pain and suffering for many of the novel's male characters. Her independent spirit and untraditional way of life make her appear to be a selfish and even cruel figure. However, to blame Brett for all of the male characters' problems is to extricate men like Jake, Cohn, and Mike from their personal role and responsibility. The men in the Sun Also Rises seem like victims of Brett's beauty, charm, and appeal, when in fact each of the men chose to be her devoted friends and lovers.

Jake may be Brett's biggest champion. Brett turns to Jake when she needs a friend most: to rescue her, to provide her with an unbiased and non-judgmental ear, and to ease her loneliness. When Jake answers Brett's beck and call, he does so out of love and caring for his former lover. Brett cannot therefore be blamed for Jake's decisions; he might be psychologically weak for longing after Brett but ultimately Jake controls his own destiny.

Similarly, Cohn seems to go crazy over Brett, even becoming physically violent throughout the course of the novel. Cohn's growing obsession over Brett is his fault, not hers. No one can force a person to pick fights, to engage in clandestine meetings, and to play the fool. Cohn's foolishness is a direct consequence of his own lack of self-esteem and his decision to live as a literal outsider in Europe.

Even Mike Campbell, who Brett pledged to love and marry, must take responsibility for his own pain. Knowing Brett's past and her attitude toward interpersonal relationships, Mike should not expect Brett to suddenly transform her personality and lifestyle for him and in many ways Mike, like Romero and Jake, accept Brett for who she is.