The Sun Also Rises 5
After a thorough reading and in-depth analyzation of Ernest Hemingway's riveting novel The Sun Also Rises, the character of Brett Ashley may be seen in a number of different ways. While some critics such as Mimi Reisel Gladstein view Brett as a "Circe" or "bitch-goddess," others such as Carol H. Smith see Brett as a woman who has been emotionally broken by the world around her. I tend to agree with the latter of these views, simply because of the many tragedies that befell Brett. She is a heroine who, despite being wounded by love and war, continues to pursue true love. Mimi Reisel Gladstein does make an excellent case for Brett as a "modern-day Circe" or "bitch-goddess." Brett is a ". . . drunkard, a nymphomaniac, or a Circe who turns men into swine. . ." (58). She has this transforming effect on several men throughout the course of the novel. Because of her extreme physical beauty, men such as Robert Cohn and Mike Campbell place Brett on a pedestal where she can do no wrong. Robert offers himself to Brett, then follows her around as if on a leash, "sniveling and squealing as if he were swine" (58). While Brett saunters around on her sexual escapades, she does not take into account the
Bardacke, Theodore. "Hemingway's Women: 1950," Ernest Hemingway: The Man and His Work. Ed. John K. McCaffery (Cleveland: World Publishing, 1950), pp. 342-44. Rpt. in Brett Ashley. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: G.K. Hall and Co., 1995. pp.12-13. While some critics perceive Hemingways character Brett Ashley as a "witch" or "Circe," others see her as a heroine crushed by fate, love, and war. While there is evidence that supports both claims, I believe Brett is a mixture of both that, in the end, becomes more heroic by sacrificing to protect another person's welfare and returning to the world that is her own. Having done such intense research on the topic of Brett Ashley, I find that both arguments are very compelling. I believe, however, that there is another view of Brett Ashley that can be supported. She is both a "bitch-goddess" and a "wounded-heroine." The "bitch goddess" stereotype is supported by treating men like toys to be disposed of when she grows tired of them. Robert Cohn is an excellent example. She uses him to "get away" when the two of them take a weekend in San Sebastian, only to later reject his later attempts to give their relationship any sort of special meaning. Robert is so devoted to her and his worships her so intensely that his pride is destroyed. As Mimi Gladstein points out, "The final memento he has to carry away from his encounter with Brett is a sock in the face from Pedro Romero" (Gladstein 58). Mike Campbell, as well, is another man who is reduced in his association with Brett. To be truthful, not much can be said for Mike to begin with, but after his relationship with Brett he is left alone and penniless. Then there is Jake Barnes, who, despite loving Brett truly, is only used as an emotional crutch for Brett to back-upon. Yet, for all her faults, I still do not see Brett as a "bitch-goddess." She has certain positive mothering qualities that are also evident. She and Jake met in a hospital while she was a nurse during the war. Mike Campbell even mentions her mothering qualities, "She loves looking after people. That's
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Approximate Word count = 1410
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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