(Hemingway, 96-100)
Literary Term: Imagery
Basically this chapter begins the many passages that form the image of Spain. Inbetween the details of the fellowship, buildings, heat, clear water, and winding roads, the reader travels to the relaxing atomsphere of the land. This image does only reflect only the beautiful aspects of Spain, for it also has detail of unpleasant things such as smuggling and illegal immigration. By the way, could the fellow that tried to enter the nation be a sense of foreshadow? This man is worn down, has a pathetic excuse for a goat or kid, and has no passport. In my opinion he reflects Jacob, who throughout the entire book and through the ending is worn down by rejection and loss of love but dispite his sorry state will always be rejected by his "loss of passport" if you will. Anywho this passage works well to paint the scene, my favorite element being the great detail of the rivers and trees and mountains. I can almost feel the motion sickness from such country roads...
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Please Mr Postman
(Jacob) I did not see Brett again until she came back from San Sebastian. (Hemingway, 76)
This book holds so much contrast to today's world. Honestly I cannot imagine having someone just leave without a trace for weeks without contact. It simply is less possible today, and in a way the world has "gotten smaller" as a result of modern transportation and communication. Most people check their email, phone, facebook, etc at least once a day (some people even "crave" emails). I can't judge whether this is a good or bad thing; however, I think in terms of friendships and relationships more methods to communicate are better. World War I could have been way different for the young friends and lovers if they could communicate more easily. Now its no picnic for military people and families today, but its better than before. The following video is a song reflecting how vital communication is, especially in the military. Enjoy!
This book holds so much contrast to today's world. Honestly I cannot imagine having someone just leave without a trace for weeks without contact. It simply is less possible today, and in a way the world has "gotten smaller" as a result of modern transportation and communication. Most people check their email, phone, facebook, etc at least once a day (some people even "crave" emails). I can't judge whether this is a good or bad thing; however, I think in terms of friendships and relationships more methods to communicate are better. World War I could have been way different for the young friends and lovers if they could communicate more easily. Now its no picnic for military people and families today, but its better than before. The following video is a song reflecting how vital communication is, especially in the military. Enjoy!
Can't Reach my Telephone..
(Jacob) I did not see Brett again until she came back from San Sebastian. (Hemingway, 76)
This book holds so much contrast to today's world. Honestly I cannot imagine having someone just leave without a trace for weeks without contact. It simply is less possible today, and in a way the world has "gotten smaller" as a result of modern transportation and communication. Most people check their email, phone, facebook, etc at least once a day (some people even "crave" emails). I can't judge whether this is a good or bad thing; however, I think in terms of friendships and relationships more meathods to communicate are better. World War I could have been way different for the young friends and lovers if they could communicate more easily. Now its no picnic for military people and families today, but its better than before. The following video is a song reflecting how vital communication is, especially in the military. Enjoy!
This book holds so much contrast to today's world. Honestly I cannot imagine having someone just leave without a trace for weeks without contact. It simply is less possible today, and in a way the world has "gotten smaller" as a result of modern transportation and communication. Most people check their email, phone, facebook, etc at least once a day (some people even "crave" emails). I can't judge whether this is a good or bad thing; however, I think in terms of friendships and relationships more meathods to communicate are better. World War I could have been way different for the young friends and lovers if they could communicate more easily. Now its no picnic for military people and families today, but its better than before. The following video is a song reflecting how vital communication is, especially in the military. Enjoy!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Judging By the Cover?
(Hemingway, 59-60)
Literary Term: Local Color
"Isn't it wonderful." said Brett. "We all have titles. Why haven't you a title Jake?" (Hemingway, 63)
Within these pages, the reader briefly meets Jacob's concierge (a person in charge of the entrance of a building especially in France; a doorkeeper. [Source: Dictionary.Com]). Her dialogue reveals the importance of title and family during this time. While both of these elements are important all over the world, she goes on to classify who is important: a good family, a French sportsmen, or a genuine French accent from being will bought up. This judgement by class and nationality reflects France at the time. The reader is further bought into the scene when Brett and the Count visit. This scene is full of French custom such as the bringing of flowers and wine...in the morning...and just the general discussion of titles, class, and relationships. The focus on the extreme social life and titles captures the readers into the lifestyle to the point that the immense drinking and sleeping around seems normal. This entire book revolves around these habits, but the feeling of France can best be felt here.
Literary Term: Local Color
"Isn't it wonderful." said Brett. "We all have titles. Why haven't you a title Jake?" (Hemingway, 63)
Within these pages, the reader briefly meets Jacob's concierge (a person in charge of the entrance of a building especially in France; a doorkeeper. [Source: Dictionary.Com]). Her dialogue reveals the importance of title and family during this time. While both of these elements are important all over the world, she goes on to classify who is important: a good family, a French sportsmen, or a genuine French accent from being will bought up. This judgement by class and nationality reflects France at the time. The reader is further bought into the scene when Brett and the Count visit. This scene is full of French custom such as the bringing of flowers and wine...in the morning...and just the general discussion of titles, class, and relationships. The focus on the extreme social life and titles captures the readers into the lifestyle to the point that the immense drinking and sleeping around seems normal. This entire book revolves around these habits, but the feeling of France can best be felt here.
The M Word
(Hemingway, 53-58)
Literary Term: Theme
Within these few pages, the reader encounters Frances, who reveals to Jake the dieing relationship between her and Cohn, and then encounters a firely scene of Frances publicly embarrassing Cohn. Honestly I felt bad for Jacob in this uncomfortable situation, however I found France's rant to be highly entertaining. This passage serves as more than an entertaining dose of justice for Cohn, for it also reveals a major theme of the this novel: distaste for marriage. Early on, the reader learns of Cohn's failed marriage and now his lost relationship with Frances who also had a previous divorce. Several characters have either been divorced or are simply avoiding it. Brett is always sleeping around and avoiding ANY suitor that even hints at marriage. The extreme nightlife of all of the characters simply doesn't support ideals of commitment or security. This theme is also displayed in the crazy fiesta in Spain, the affair of Cohn, and Brett's final ending of her relationships at the end of the book. I find this theme to be sad, but an important element of the book.
Literary Term: Theme
Within these few pages, the reader encounters Frances, who reveals to Jake the dieing relationship between her and Cohn, and then encounters a firely scene of Frances publicly embarrassing Cohn. Honestly I felt bad for Jacob in this uncomfortable situation, however I found France's rant to be highly entertaining. This passage serves as more than an entertaining dose of justice for Cohn, for it also reveals a major theme of the this novel: distaste for marriage. Early on, the reader learns of Cohn's failed marriage and now his lost relationship with Frances who also had a previous divorce. Several characters have either been divorced or are simply avoiding it. Brett is always sleeping around and avoiding ANY suitor that even hints at marriage. The extreme nightlife of all of the characters simply doesn't support ideals of commitment or security. This theme is also displayed in the crazy fiesta in Spain, the affair of Cohn, and Brett's final ending of her relationships at the end of the book. I find this theme to be sad, but an important element of the book.
By the Time You're Dreaming....
(Hemingway, 39)
(Jacob) I lay awake thinking and my mind jumping around. then I couldn't keep away from it, and I started to think about Brett and all the rest of it went away. I was thinking about Brett and my mind started to go in sort of smooth waves. Then all of a sudden I started to cry. Then after a while it was all better and I lay in bed and listened to the heavy trams go by and way down the street, and I went to sleep.
Previous to this paragraph explaining Jacob's current feelings, the reader first has to experience Jacob's routine before going to bed. Hemingway has a lovely habit of filling pages with scrupulous detail, and it seems that he does so for other purposes other than explaining the setting or character. As the reader experiences Jacob retrieving his mail, reviewing his bank balance, examining a wedding invitation, dressing, reading some papers, the reader learns more than just Jacob's lifestyle and habits. The grave detail to these tasks seems to reflect Jacob avoiding thought of the earlier cab ride and rejection from Brett. Human nature tries to reject painful thoughts and will try to keep preoccupied. However, Jacob is not able to do, displayed in the sprinkles of thought about Brett within his routine, and finally the floodgates open when he gets into bed. In general, people cannot escape their thoughts while laying in bed, for they don't have anything to distract them. At this time Jacob finally confronts his pain from his rejection from Brett, his "giving more than life" injury, and love and then is finally able to sleep.
I believe this is one of the most honest scenes of the book; Jacob doesn't degrade his feelings for Brett and his feelings aren't hidden from drinking or social events. This contributes to a more understandable and realistic image of Jacob rather than the superficial social/partying aspect of his character. Many people can relate to this scene, myself included, and I find this passage to enhance my interest in the book.
(Jacob) I lay awake thinking and my mind jumping around. then I couldn't keep away from it, and I started to think about Brett and all the rest of it went away. I was thinking about Brett and my mind started to go in sort of smooth waves. Then all of a sudden I started to cry. Then after a while it was all better and I lay in bed and listened to the heavy trams go by and way down the street, and I went to sleep.
Previous to this paragraph explaining Jacob's current feelings, the reader first has to experience Jacob's routine before going to bed. Hemingway has a lovely habit of filling pages with scrupulous detail, and it seems that he does so for other purposes other than explaining the setting or character. As the reader experiences Jacob retrieving his mail, reviewing his bank balance, examining a wedding invitation, dressing, reading some papers, the reader learns more than just Jacob's lifestyle and habits. The grave detail to these tasks seems to reflect Jacob avoiding thought of the earlier cab ride and rejection from Brett. Human nature tries to reject painful thoughts and will try to keep preoccupied. However, Jacob is not able to do, displayed in the sprinkles of thought about Brett within his routine, and finally the floodgates open when he gets into bed. In general, people cannot escape their thoughts while laying in bed, for they don't have anything to distract them. At this time Jacob finally confronts his pain from his rejection from Brett, his "giving more than life" injury, and love and then is finally able to sleep.
I believe this is one of the most honest scenes of the book; Jacob doesn't degrade his feelings for Brett and his feelings aren't hidden from drinking or social events. This contributes to a more understandable and realistic image of Jacob rather than the superficial social/partying aspect of his character. Many people can relate to this scene, myself included, and I find this passage to enhance my interest in the book.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Lost Yet Found
The quote found on the first page of Ernest Hemingway's book The Sun Also Rises is Gertrude Stein's statement "You are all a lost generation". After some research, I discovered that this saying describes the young men and women who's life was centered on World War I. This War, also known as the Great War, has been perceived as a time when the traditional values were destroyed; however, the values gained from the War seem far greater. In my opinion, the War had quite a few positive impacts on the world, some of them captured in this book. First and foremost, the rash and impulsive lifestyle is the center focus of the entire book. The stern traditional values against abundant drinking, partying, and having sex outside of marriage are relaxed. Now, I don't completely agree with these such a lifestyle, but I think embracing life in the present has enhanced the world. Women, such as Brett, were able to escape a life at home and while she did have to constantly be with a man, she was relatively independent. This was a time for women to break free and also a time of pride for one's nation. The increased love for one's nation fostered a sense of community displayed in Montoya's treasured "aficionado" (Hemingway, 136) and throughout the brotherhood of the soldiers. And finally, the War seemed to bring forth an appreciation for one's blessings and a more simplistic lifestyle. While Jacob and his gang loved the nightlife and fiestas, greater emotion and detail was used to describe the humble adventures of fishing or swimming or conversation made between friends new and old. How can this really be considered the "lost generation?"
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