ven though Brett really does not care that she hurt Robert or MikeThe issue of values was a second theme in the novel. Jake, Brett, Robert, Mike,and Bill were all Americans who went to Europe in search of new values because their oldstandards or values were destroyed by war. Count Mippipopolous told Jake and Brett ofhis “values”: he said that titles do not count for anything, it is not whether you are a countor a princess that matters, but simply who you are. He also said never lie to people, never“play them false.” His philosophy is to be straightforward with others. Brett, unlike thecount, “played false” with others, and she had no friends except Jake, because she was always honest with him. Their honesty was their strongest attachment.Death, Fear, Courage, and Sport were four other themes I found recurring in thenovel. An aficionado is one who is passionate about the bullfights. This sport is extremely dangerous, the cycle of life and death is ultimate. Bullfighting is exciting, yetbrutal to watch. Jake was an aficionado, but he was only a spectator; he did not participate in this death defying sport. Pedro was a very successful bullfighter. He was verygraceful and skilled at fighting the bulls. This was the reason Brett fell in love with him. Bullfighters put on a show of bravery for the audience The true aficionado loved to watchRomero "because he kept the absolute purity of line in his movements and always quietlyand calmly let the horns pass him close each time. He did not have to emphasize theircloseness." (p. 171). He came as close as he could to real danger and used no tricks; atrue aficionado enjoys the show more when the bullfighter does not show off. Those whoparticipated in the bullfights were courageous and at the same time fearful for their lives. The title, The Sun Also Rises, is tied together with nature, earth, fear, courage,and death. The earth along with nature g...
