Paper Prospectus and Article Summary for The Sun Also Rises

Article Summary and Paper Prospectus

Article Summary              

Young Ernest Hemingway in Paris

                In Jacob Leland’s article, "Yes, That Is A Roll Of Bills In My Pocket: The Economy Of Masculinity In "The Sun Also Rises", he asserts that Jake Barnes spends money to retain his masculinity and American identity. Leland discusses the fact that Jake is an expatriate in Paris and unlike some of the people he observes on his morning commute, he isn’t there as a tourist. He has spent enough time in Paris to have a clear distinction between the tourists and the denizens on their way to work. Because he recognizes the distinction, he has been able to establish himself as worker fully involved in the Parisian economy. He knows to avoid tourist traps and continue to work without delay. Leland moves onto demonstrate Jake’s financial focus by noting that he balances his checkbook every night and walks to work ignoring advertisements that entice frivolous spending. Leland emphasizes that Barnes doesn’t spend money to collect or possess objects; rather he pays for activities and services. The author proposes that Jake’s spending habits come from an understanding of social relations in France, and it is most likely an exaggerated understanding. Leland claims that this is due to Jake’s desire to re-create his masculine identity, despite his sexual impotency. The article also delves into Jake’s relationships with the other characters and their associations with money. In each of his interactions with the others—especially Brett—Jake believes that losing something, like money, will gain him control. The author claims that Jake’s feelings for Brett, which lead him to rush to her aid, jeopardize the sexual power he strives for through finance. The bill that he openly tries to pay in front of her has already been paid anonymously, which robs Jake of the honor.

Prospectus

This paper will focus on several characters’ work ethics and their use of money in The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. These factors are synonymous with the characters' levels of restlessness, because many of them don't realize they need some kind of structure to gain stability in a post-war reality. Jake Barnes attempts to stabilize himself after the war by maintaining a good work ethic and meticulously keeping track of his money, because it allows him to be productive in a way that he can no longer be sexually. Lady Brett Ashley is frivolous when spending her money and prefers partying to work. Pedro Romero displays "grace under pressure" as he elegantly performs in the bullfights. Robert Cohn doesn't seem to do much for himself and Mike Campbell travels with Brett and drinks. Some of the articles I will consider using in this paper are: "Yes, That Is A Roll Of Bills In My Pocket: The Economy Of Masculinity In "The Sun Also Rises", "'Sign The Wire With Love': The Morality Of Surplus In The Sun Also Rises", and "Hemingway's Morality Of Compensation."