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?"