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Bullfighting In The Sun Also Rises

Decent Essays

The Sun Also Rises is a story of the damaging effect of sexual tension, the luxury of life, and false friendship. However, Hemingway's peculiar style takes the reader through a dramatic structure that is the home of many impactful themes. Two motifs that were evidently the backdrop of the plot were both bullfighting and alcohol. Throughout the dramatic structure of the novel it is evident that the two worked together as the motivating factors of each character's life. Every character's actions, experiences, and relationships with one another was produced through alcohol and represented though bullfighting. Additionally, both factors are the mix that displays the false impression of a luxurious life.
Jake and the gang seems to continuously …show more content…

Jake's comprehension and fondness of the sport gives the first hint of how the aggressive event represents is real experiences. The first bullfight is example of Mike's first attack to Cohn. The killing of the steer represented Mike's attack on Cohn. However, this could also be a representation of Brett’s destruction of Cohn’s feelings. Evidently, Cohn is the steer which is relevant to his affection for Brett. In a deeper sense, bullfighting in the novel could be separated into two perspectives. The two perspectives are Jake's perspective and the perspective of the postwar society. The figure of Belmonte is very relevant to the interaction between Jake and his friends. Cohn, Mike, and Jake all command a certain level of Brett’s attention and affection. This scenario is similar to how Belmonte craves for affection from his audience, who has downgraded him for Romero. “But because he got thirty thousand pesetas and people had stayed in line all night to buy tickets to see him, the crowd demanded that he should be more than very good....his head on his arms, not seeing, not hearing anything, only going through his pain....Because they were against Belmonte the public were for Romero. From the moment he left the barrera and went toward the bull they applauded him” (Hemingway). From a broader perspective, Belmonte possibly symbolizes the entire lost generation, whose moment has dwindled away. On still an in depth level, …show more content…

The constant consumption of alcoholic beverage create an idea of a good life. However, I could compare this to the food in the novel “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair. Even though the food had the impression to be edible it was actually damaging to the health of the citizens in the novel. What is gilded is not always needed or acceptable. Therefore, being consumed with the company of others and being drunk on a daily basis is not an acceptable gesture. Nearly all of Jake’s friends are alcoholics. Wherever they happen to be, they drink, usually to excess. Often, their drinking provides a way of escaping reality. Drunkenness allows Jake and his acquaintances to endure lives severely lacking in affection and purpose. Hemingway clearly portrays the drawbacks to this excessive drinking. Bullfighting was obviously symbolic, however, it also showed the life of freedom and celebration. Bullfighting is similar to going to an NBA basketball game. It is a grand experience that most individuals want to experience. Bullfighting was the event that caused all of the friends to unite and collaborate on a mood of joy and expectation. The series of bullfights were obviously the glamours highlight of the group’s vacation. Therefore, this form of lavishness conjoins an element of interest for readers who imagine a life of wealth and enjoyment. In contrary to the positive perspective

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