Sincerity in Hemmingway's The Sun Also Rises
One of the most significant scenes in The Sun Also Rises is when Jake and Bill go fishing in the Spanish town of Burguete. This trip, unlike most of the novel’s settings, leaves Jake feeling rejuvenated and at peace. Hemingway emphasizes that Jake finds solace in nature, and the fishing trip with Bill offers a rare, calm escape from his usual worries and cynicism. The water especially seems to act as a kind of ritual purification, washing away some of Jake’s bitterness and emotional exhaustion. The river, in its steady, quiet flow, symbolizes a cleansing force that allows Jake to focus on the beauty of the surroundings rather than his typical preoccupation with Brett. Here, he doesn’t feel haunted by his love, and for a moment, he is simply able to live in the present. However, this is more clearly reflected in Jake’s swim in San Sebastián, saying “The water was buoyant and cold. It felt as though you could never sink.” (p. 83) The peace and clarity Jake finds in nature also give him t...