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.