Existentialism on “The Sun Also Rises”

Existentialism on “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway.

In Ernest Hemingway`s ”The Sun Also Rises” What is existentialism and how does this philosophy shape The Sun Also Rises? What does existentialism offer to the individual that is seeking answers to the questions of the meaning and purpose of life?

The theory of Existentialism was not in full bloom during the time Ernest Hemingway penned The Sun Also Rises . Therefore it is hard to prove that the story was influenced by any of the existentialist philosophers. Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, Karl Jaspers, Alber Camus, and their followers espoused the theory of Existentialism after the World War II.

The Existentialism view maintains that humans exist in a universe that does not have a preconceived design. That our identity is based on choice and we must choose our own system of values and ethics. The Jean-Paul Sartre stressed that, “Existentialism is an attempt to draw all the consequences from a consistent atheist position.” Hemingway though had come up with concepts similar to Existentialism . He created his “nada” concepts in 1930’s where he explained an individual’s actions in a godless world. His “code hero” is a person who acts with grace despite the pressure.

In the novel The Sun Also Rises , the main character, Jake Barnes, was in the middle of struggles on the endless and perplexing questions regarding values and morality. Jake typifies the modern man who is constantly reminded of the aching emptiness inside him as he tried to make sense of the world outside. Due to the need to find the answers to life’s essential questions he is forced to improvise and take decisive actions in order to drive away despair.

At the start of the novel The Sun Also Rises one gets acquainted with the hedonistic lifestyles being led by the main characters. The expatriates in Paris particularly in the Left Bank seem to cope with life by evading work, getting drunk and partying. All of the characters though seemed to indulge in endless pursuit of diversions meant to escape reality. Unknowingly, they dug themselves deeper in despair because they are not confronting the problem but merely masking the emptiness of their lives. This is the kind of crowd Jake Barnes revolves in. Jack’s despair though enabled him to move to take a decisive action.

When Jake introduced Brett to Romero, Jake was aware of the full impact of his actions. This is not only a sign that he gives up Brett but also ends his friendship with Montoya and all links to his past. Admittedly, this is a two-edge sword. It could work to his advantage or not. And he may live to regret this act. But the essence in existentialism is in arriving at a decision and acting on it. Mistakes could be a part of it. Decisions always entail consequences and risks. And Jake, whether he likes it or not, must face this fact.