The Sun Also Rises · Chapter
II explained
Jake describes Robert Cohn's trip to America, where his novel was accepted, and how the experience changed him.
What happens
Jake describes Robert Cohn's trip to America, where his novel was accepted, and how the experience changed him. Cohn becomes more vain, enthusiastic about America, and influenced by reading W.H. Hudson's 'The Purple Land,' which inspires a desire to go to South America. He tries to persuade Jake to join him, but Jake dismisses the idea, arguing that changing locations won't solve one's problems. The chapter ends with Cohn falling asleep in Jake's office and later having a drink together.
Themes in this chapter
Disillusionment and Aimlessness
Cohn's restless desire to escape to South America reflects a search for meaning, while Jake's pragmatic response highlights the futility of geographical escape.
Expatriation and Alienation
Cohn's dissatisfaction with Paris and his romanticized view of South America illustrate the expatriate struggle to find belonging.
Masculinity and Identity
Cohn's changing self-perception after success with women and his novel, and his desire for adventure, reflect themes of masculine identity and insecurity.
Characters to notice
- Jake Barnes
Narrator and friend of Robert Cohn; works as a journalist in Paris; dismisses Cohn's romantic ideas about travel.
- Robert Cohn
Returns from America changed after his novel is accepted; becomes vain and obsessed with traveling to South America after reading 'The Purple Land.'
- Frances Clyne
Mentioned as Cohn's companion; Jake suggests Cohn's trip to America led to their breakup.
Key passages
“For a man to take it at thirty-four as a guidebook to what life holds is about as safe as it would be for a man of the same age to enter Wall Street direct from a French convent, equipped with a complete set of the more practical Alger books.”
Jake thinks it's foolish for a 34-year-old man to treat a romantic novel as a literal guide to life.
Jake criticizes Cohn's naive interpretation of 'The Purple Land.'
“You can't get away from yourself by moving from one place to another. There's nothing to that.”
Jake tells Cohn that changing locations won't solve his inner problems.
Jake's philosophy on the futility of escapism.
“Nobody ever lives their life all the way up except bullfighters.”
Jake says that only bullfighters fully embrace life.
Jake's cynical view of living life to the fullest.