New Beginnings?
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In The Sun Also Rises, Hemmingway presents a fine yet touching ending that reveals much about the complex relationship between Jake and Brett. The final scene, where Brett says, "Oh, Jake, we could have had such a damned good time together," capturing the essence of their unfulfilled love and the distinct emotions that brings them together. Hemingway leaves readers wondering if this moment marks an end to their relationship or if it signals a moment of acceptance for Jake, who, throughout the novel, has grappled with his unrequited love and inability to fulfill Brett's desires.
Jake and Brett's relationship is one of deep affection, but it is continually frustrated by external limitations, most notably, Jake's war injury, leaving him very vulnerable. This physical inability acts as a barrier that neither Jake nor Brett can overcome, creating a bittersweet connection that is more unique than the relations she has with other men. In the ending scene, Brett's nostalgic regret acknowledges the impossibility of their being together, yet it also reinforces the genuine emotional bond they share. Jake's response is muted and calm, but it is very different than all the responses he gave before. In the ending the reader can notice that Jake's responses become more sarcastic and cold, as if he doesn't believe what Brett says anymore. In this moment he understands the impossibility of their romance but chooses to stay by her side, perhaps finding peace in this tragic understanding.
For many readers, this scene suggests that Jake has finally come to terms with his role in Brett's life, not as a lover but as a devoted emotional supporter. Instead of being consumed by frustration or longing, he appears resigned, even gently consoling her with his silence. This composure hints at growth; Jake seems to accept the separations of their relationship. Before Jake was always affected by Brett, not being able to sleep at night and purposely distracting himself from the situation. Hemingway thus captures a quiet but profound resolution that lingers long after the final line, leaving readers to reflect on the depths of unfulfilled love and acceptance.
Interesting analysis. I completely agree that Jake starts to move on from his feelings for Brett at the end. His irony fully unleashed at the end signals that he is now a different person. Interesting post and great job!
ReplyDeleteI think you summarized the ending very well, and the dynamic at the core of the book. Unrequited love, acceptance, and growth at the end on Jake's part. Despite this Jake and Brett still maintain a strong emotional bond throughout the novel and probably always will. They will still care about each other even if Jake begins to view Brett differently.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Jake's tone throughout the conversations leading up to this ending seem more combative, resentful, and "cold," but I still can hear a tonal shift by this final moment in the cab. I can definitely hear his "Isn't it pretty?" line as dismissive and sardonic ("dream on!"), but something about the "isn't it?" suggests a kind of shared reverie and agreement--the way that I might say, "The weather has been lovely this week," and you'd reply, "Yes, hasn't it?" Jake DOES seem to be a little misty-eyed here, perhaps, maybe allowing himself for a moment to indulge in some (pointless, in his stoical view) fantasy about what "could have been." Of course, the idea that Jake and Brett would be an amazing couple must always remain speculative: it's a proposition that can't be tested, and so it's "safe" for both of them to idealize a relationship that, elsewhere, Jake admits would have been very different if it weren't for the extenuating circumstances ("I'd be as big an ass as Cohn").
ReplyDeleteYou do a good job explaining the position that Jake has changed over time. I think the reason the novel leaves you with a lot to think about after you finish is because while Jake does seem to come to an understanding, he is still doomed to the same situation he was throughout the whole thing. Recognition that it will never happen doesn't seem to make Brett's actions completely stop hurting him. Good analysis of the difference between the final conversation between the two compared to those prior. Jake does seem colder, perhaps due to the understanding he has come to.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the final scene in The Sun Also Rises encapsulates Jake's acceptance of his unfulfilled relationship with Brett. His calm and detached response indicates a shift from longing and frustration to a resigned understanding of his place in her life. This moment highlights his growth as he transitions from hope to acceptance.
ReplyDeleteI liked your take on the ending! His words were so simple, and they left so much to the reader's interpretation. To me it also felt like a statement of growth. His insecurity in himself (which fueled his resentment & superiority complex with others) really drove his fluctuating feelings with Brett, and this final scene was oddly peaceful in comparison. I feel like he finally realized that his chaotic thoughts wouldn't change anything, and would instead worsen the inevitable.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Jessy! I agree that Jake has grown and accepted the doomed nature of his romance with Brett. I wonder if the reason behind Jakes cold/callous response to Brett at the end stems from his observations of Brett utterly destroying Mike and Cohn.
ReplyDeleteThe ending of The Sun also Rises is easy to interpret in many different ways. I think Jake cares too much about Brett and that's why he chose to stay by her side. Their emotional connection is strong and it's not easy for either of them to let go of that. Nice Post!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, Jessy! There are so many ways that last line could be interpreted, and that’s definitely part of Hemingway’s artistry. Initially, I read it in a sarcastic tone—“Oh, isn’t it pretty to think so”—but another perspective could be more wistful, especially considering Jake’s unusual use of the word pretty. Like Mr. Mitchell mentioned, the phrase “isn’t it” could also signal a form of agreement, which adds to the complexity of the scene. I don’t think Jake has completely transformed into a new person; rather, he has come to acknowledge the reality of his situation. The scene between Brett and Jake comes full circle, as they started the novel together in a cab and end it the same way. There’s a tone of acceptance, with perhaps some reflection on what could have been. But in doing so, Jake also seems to realize that even under different circumstances, their fate might have mirrored Mike and Cohn’s.
ReplyDeleteAmazing post Jessy, I agree with what you are saying completely. I think that the ending is the culmination of experiences that Jake underwent that ended in his growth and acknowledging/accepting the situation he is in, completing his character arc. Keep up the great work.
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