2. Analogy

In chapter 2 on page 17, I spotted an analogy made by Jake regarding Robert's reading of The Purple Land. "For a man to take it at thirty-four as a guide-book to what life holds is about as safe as it would be for a man of the same age to enter Wall Street direct from a French convent, equipped with a complete set of the more practical Alger books." Alger was an author who wrote stories and poems that addressed the "struggle against adversity to achieve great wealth and acclaim," (http://www-sul.stanford.edu/). Jake states that if one reads a book by Alger, it would not be wise to become so inspired to believe one would instantly find success in a system such as the stock market. Through this analogy, Jake informs the reader that he finds Robert's new thoughts to be complete nonsense as well. It seems almost as if Robert is going through a midlife crisis so he wants to become adventurous like the characters in The Purple Land before it is too late. Jake sees his need for adventure to be a complete waste. To be living according to a book will not bring success or true happiness to Robert.

1. First Person Point of View

Right from the get-go I found my first literary term used within chapter one of The Sun Also Rises. The novel is told by Jake Barnes from a first person point of view. He begins by giving an introduction to Robert Cohn, in which we first see the appearance of "I" which indicates the point of view. "Do not think I am very much impressed by that as a boxing title, but it meant a lot to Cohn," (11). After beginning the novel, I am somewhat curious as to why Jake is the narrator if this story appears to be only about Robert Cohn. I have not learned anything about the narrator, which seems unusual for a first person point of view novel. Cohn's past must be very significant to the book if Hemingway initially provides us with so much background information about his life before meeting Jake. As I continue reading, I will be eager to discover the significance of Cohn's character.

The Sun Also Rises

Ernest Hemingway