In the novel The Sun Also Rises, written by Ernest Hemingway the main character, Jake, makes a decision to introduce the woman he loves to a young bullfighter. He had received a wound from W.W.I that scarred him sexually and thus set him apart from anyone else. Jake loves Brett, but cannot be with her since she has an active love life. Brett said, "Oh, Jake, we could have had such a damned good time together."…"Yes," I said. "Isn't it pretty to think so?"(122). Jake seems to be an observer who watches the lives of his friends unfold and happen around him, but without his participation. Jake makes the decision very much against the will of his friends, but in doing so he pleases Brett. Jake does this because he is unconditionally committed to Brett, and willing to do whatever necessary to bring her happiness, even if only temporary happiness. Jake’s first reaction to the news showing Brett’s interest in meeting and spending time with Romero, who serves as a foil for Jake and his friends in that he carries himself with dignity and confidence at all times, is one of negativity. He learns of this from his friend Montoya, the owner of a Pamplona inn and a bull-fighting expert, and tells him “Don’t give him the Message” (176). He did not think that it would be a good idea for Brett to have anything to do Romero, and did not want him to receive the message that invited him to have coffee with their group. At this point it is clear that Jake does not approve of this proposed encounter. His later decision to introduce them supports the idea that Jake has unconditionally devoted himself to Brett, and her happiness. The change in decision shows Jake’s conflict between letting Romero have Brett and making her happy. The introduction between Romero and Brett was a very strange one, because it did not mean for Jake to go out of his way for it to happen. It was much more the will of Bre...
