# VII explained — The Sun Also Rises

> Chapter companion for The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway.

## What happens

Jake, Brett, and the Count Mippipopolous dine and drink champagne, then go to Zelli's in Montmartre where Brett and Jake dance. Brett reveals she plans to marry Mike Campbell. Later, Brett visits Jake's apartment, confesses her misery, and they discuss their impossible relationship. The Count returns with more champagne, and they plan to go to the Bois for dinner.

## Themes in this chapter

### Alcohol and Hedonism

The characters drink champagne and brandy throughout the evening, using alcohol as a means of escape and social bonding.

### Love and Sexual Frustration

Jake and Brett's intimate but impossible love is highlighted; Brett's misery and Jake's repeated feelings of dread underscore their frustrated relationship.

### Disillusionment and Aimlessness

Brett's sudden shift from happiness to misery and Jake's sense of repeating a nightmare reflect the aimlessness and emotional numbness of the Lost Generation.

## Character check-ins

### Jake Barnes

Narrator; dances with Brett, feels a recurring sense of dread and misery, and struggles with his love for Brett.

### Lady Brett Ashley

Dances with Jake, announces her intention to marry Mike Campbell, expresses misery, and visits Jake's apartment where she discusses their relationship.

### Count Mippipopolous

Hosts the dinner and champagne; shows his arrow wounds from Abyssinia, discusses his values, and remains at Zelli's after Brett and Jake leave.

### Mike Campbell

Mentioned by Brett as the man she plans to marry; described as a splendid dancer and a good letter writer.

## Key lines

> You see, Mr. Barnes, it is because I have lived very much that now I can enjoy everything so well. Don't you find it like that?

The Count explains that his extensive life experience allows him to appreciate everything fully.

_The Count articulates his philosophy of valuing life through experience._

> Oh, darling, I'm so miserable.

Brett suddenly expresses deep unhappiness while dancing with Jake.

_Brett's emotional volatility contrasts with the festive atmosphere._

> I had that feeling of going through something that has all happened before.

Jake experiences a sense of déjà vu and dread.

_Jake's recurring nightmare-like feeling underscores his emotional turmoil._

> Couldn't we live together, Brett? Couldn't we just live together?

Jake asks Brett if they can simply live together as a couple.

_Jake's plea reveals his deep desire for a normal relationship despite their obstacles._

> I don't think so. I'd just tromper you with everybody. You couldn't stand it.

Brett refuses, saying she would inevitably cheat on Jake with everyone.

_Brett's honesty about her own nature prevents them from being together._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sun_also_rises_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sun_also_rises_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_sun_also_rises_se/chapters