The Lost Generation: Understanding the Themes of The Sun Also Rises

05.21.2023 // By Tome Tailor

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway is a novel that has often been called the definitive literary work of the “Lost Generation.” Following the impact of World War I, numerous American and British expatriates became disillusioned with the society they knew, opting to forsake their homeland and begin new lives in Europe, specifically Paris. Hemingway masterfully captured the mindset and sentiments of this generation in his 1926 novel.

In this article, we’ll delve into the themes of The Sun Also Rises, striving to understand the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of the Lost Generation, and ultimately deciphering their outlook on life.

Theme 1: Disillusionment with Society

Due to the devastating aftermath of World War I, many individuals belonging to the Lost Generation became increasingly disenchanted with society. The constant reminder of death led them to question long-held beliefs about morality, religion, and overall values.

In The Sun Also Rises, this disillusionment can be seen in various ways. One example is through the character of Robert Cohn. Cohn is a writer who is unable to find meaning, satisfaction, or inspiration in his everyday life. This leads him to idolize the idea of a grander life in Europe, prompting him to move to Paris in search of enlightenment.

Throughout the novel, Hemingway portrays the perspectives of the Lost Generation, offering readers insight into the emptiness and shallow existence many of these characters face.

Theme 2: Excessive Drinking and Hedonism

To cope with the traumas they endured during the war, several individuals within the Lost Generation turned to excessive drinking, immersing themselves in hedonistic pursuits. This theme is predominantly conveyed in the form of Jake Barnes, the novel’s protagonist.

Jake is a war veteran, leaving him physically and emotionally scarred as a result of his experiences. Throughout the novel, Jake frequently indulges in alcohol consumption, often using it as a crutch to deal with his overwhelming feelings of despair and dissatisfaction. The other characters are likewise shown partaking in alcoholic excess, leading to the overall theme of hedonism and debauchery as a means of coping.

Theme 3: The Struggles of Masculinity in the Post-War Era

Another critical theme in The Sun Also Rises is the challenges that men faced concerning their traditional masculine roles after the Great War. Due to the consequences of the conflict, men within the Lost Generation were unable to adhere to the societal standards set for masculinity.

Jake Barnes represents this theme powerfully in the novel, as he struggles to confront his own feelings of emasculation. Having been injured during the war, Jake is left impotent, distressing him immensely as he grapples with the concept of his own manhood.

Theme 4: The Search for Personal Meaning and Purpose

Lastly, The Sun Also Rises focuses on the quest for personal meaning and purpose that is so prevalent within the Lost Generation. With societal norms and values in a state of flux, many individuals are left grappling with their own sense of identity and purpose in life.

Throughout the novel, characters such as Brett Ashley, Mike Campbell, and Robert Cohn are shown struggling to come to terms with their own existence, continuously seeking a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. This theme reflects the widespread uncertainty and existential angst that pervaded the Lost Generation, as individuals sought to redefine their own personal truths.

In conclusion, Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises offers an insightful portrayal of the Lost Generation, capturing the collective disillusionment, despair, and sense of purposelessness that plagued many individuals during this time. Through a rich exploration of themes such as societal disillusionment, indulgence, masculinity, and the search for meaning, Hemingway grants readers a window into the lives and psyches of those who felt lost in the post-World War I era.

Ready to delve into the captivating world of the Lost Generation? Read or listen to The Sun Also Rises by buying it here.

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