Over half the book is Jake and co. going out to get drinks, or at least it seems that way at least. At a bar Jake sees Brett come in surrounded by a crowd of guys who are identified as homosexuals. This makes Jake feel disgusted, so he leaves and goes to another bar to get yet another drink but then leaves because that drink was not as good and goes back to the original bar to drink more after setting himself against those other men because he is such a big boi macho man. Yes that was a long sentence but it describes Jake pretty well, showing that he is homophobic (majorly so) and that he obviously likes to drink a lot. If these aren't just two of the most endearing traits ever am I right? (This is sarcasm, don't take this the wrong way.)
In the beginning of the second book we meet Bill and Mike and both of them are also heavy drinkers. Also they kinda talk weirdly, I'm not sure how to describe that part but whatever it is it is sort of annoying. The count from earlier in the book is apparently good at finding the best wine, so even though he was sent by Brett mainly to get out of the house he is obviously similar to Bill and Mike (as in a heavy drinker, kinda does whatever, and isn't a major character). Going back to Bill, he spent several days in Vienna (I think?) and barely remembers any of it since he drank so much. Also he's racist (although maybe he wasn't considered that at the time because of the year? Still that doesn't change the fact).
Pretty much the only character who I don't dislike is Brett because she causes many amusing things to happen so she is a lot of fun. That is true even though she is also no angel (an understatement at best).
Oh yeah I forgot about Cohn but he is annoying also drinks a lot. And he likes Brett and I don't want that relationship to happen.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Brett is the most exciting character. The others are stuffy white dudes who are mostly just jealous.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny at this point I don't even register the drinking scenes anymore, they're so common. But yeah the majority of the men in this book are a weird combo of boring and very unlikable. Except for the count and Mike, I like them and Brett.
ReplyDeleteIt's very hard to relate to any of the characters in this book. All their emotions are way below the surface, so they just come across as callous and obnoxious. Everyone in this story also seems to be incredibly wealthy, since they never have to work and they spend their time going from one vacation to another. Plus, drinking brings out their worst qualities, so a lot of the characters rarely show positive traits.
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree that the book seems to be nonstop drinking. That and the overall narration makes it hard to connect with the characters, who kind of blur together in my mind since they are all doing the same thing (drinking). I also agree that Brett is the most interesting character, no matter how you feel about her, she is definitely a distinct character. The others feel kind of all the same.
ReplyDeleteAlcohol is definitely central to the story, and I feel like alcoholism is the only trait I really know for any of the characters. To be fair, people drank A LOT back when this was written. If you ever watch any movies or TV shows that are set in the early/mid-20th century, the alcohol flows freely. It's also a good way for the characters to bond with each other, since they all pretend that they don't have any emotions. I do agree that Brett is the most fun character, because she's able to shine through Hemingway's bland style.
ReplyDeleteI think Hemingway did this to make a statement about the youth of the time. I don't know what the youth of the time were actually like, and I know Hemingway himself may have been considered a part of this youth at the time he wrote it, but I could definitely see an older person rolling their eyes at the constantly drunk young people who visit their friends at 4:30 in the morning.
ReplyDeleteYeah I agree Brett is pretty much the only character I'm not super annoyed with at this point. The fact that they're always drinking could definitely have to do with the time period or with Hemingway wanting to make a statement about the youth, like Jonathan said. As far as the dialogue goes, I kind of like it. Sure it can get confusing at times but the sarcasm and constant joking attitude make it more entertaining.
ReplyDeleteI think right now Brett is the least annoying character for me personally. She's the only one that kind of stands out from the rest of the characters in my opinion cause I feel like most of the others are kind of similar.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right: There's definitely a strong repetitiveness of drinking in this book. Also, Jake does come off as homosexual; however, I think he's also salty because Brett chose to hangout with them over him. Brett is somewhat the star of the show in this book--especially in the eyes of Jake. I like her character because she is who she is; however, I also think she has her faults.
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