Jake gives off a detachment to others that inexplicably
drives people like Brett and Robert closer to him. He acts as the confidante
for those in his social circle, but does little more than listen blankly and
contribute a few sarcastic interjections here and there. I wonder why these
people are so attracted to such an outwardly apathetic character.
Brett proclaims her love for Jake, yet flakes over any true
commitment to him. She tends to revert to Jake whenever she is not doing well
with other men, which could mean that her feelings for Jake are not that deep. This
indicates that Jake’s tendency to be a door mat and a shoulder to cry on are
traits that attract the emotionally volatile Brett to him. However, Jake does
not do much for his bond with Brett, either. Unfortunately, he chooses not to pursue
a relationship with her because the war has too deeply crippled his idea of and
ability to feel true happiness. This is where Jake’s role as part of the Lost
Generation comes in. I think he is aware of his disillusionment, and is able to
cater to the needs of his friends because this numbs his own pain.
Interestingly, Jake’s disillusionment and despair with love
mirrors Hemingway’s rocky personal life, lending a semi-autobiographical aspect
to the novel. Unlike Jake, however, Hemingway was not faithful, moving on
quickly from each lover and wife. So despite his faults, Jake is loyal to Brett,
which may be the shimmer of hope that Hemingway gave his characters (he
described them as “battered”, but not completely lost). We’ve spent lots of
time giving negative interpretations of Hemingway’s characters, but I’m
curious, how else are Jake and his companions not completely lost? Is the Lost
Generation salvageable?
-Ly
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