The Sun Also Rises · Chapter
XIV explained
Jake reflects on his drunken night, reading Turgenev, and contemplates his philosophy of paying for everything in life.
What happens
Jake reflects on his drunken night, reading Turgenev, and contemplates his philosophy of paying for everything in life. The days before the fiesta in Pamplona are quiet and preparatory, with the town setting up for the bull-running. Jake, Bill, Robert Cohn, Brett, and Mike settle into a routine. Jake and Brett visit church, meet Cohn, and walk to a gypsy camp where Brett's fortune is told. Jake's internal monologue grapples with his feelings for Brett, his disdain for Cohn, and his moral code.
Themes in this chapter
Disillusionment and Aimlessness
Jake's drunken philosophical musings about paying for everything and the meaninglessness of life reflect a deep disillusionment. He questions his own philosophy, calling it 'bilge' and 'rot.'
Alcohol and Hedonism
Jake is 'quite drunk' on brandy, and the chapter opens with his drunken reading. The pre-fiesta calm is marked by daily vermouths, and Jake categorizes his friends as 'good' or 'bad' drunks.
Love and Sexual Frustration
Jake's internal monologue reveals his frustration with Brett: 'To hell with you, Brett Ashley.' He reflects on the impossibility of their relationship and the 'bill' that always comes.
Characters to notice
- Jake Barnes
Narrates the chapter, reflecting on his drunkenness, reading Turgenev, and his philosophy of paying for everything. He observes the pre-fiesta preparations and interacts with Brett and Cohn.
- Lady Brett Ashley
Goes to church with Jake, has her fortune told at the gypsy camp, and is heard laughing with Mike in the next room. Jake internally curses her, saying 'To hell with you, Brett Ashley.'
- Robert Cohn
Spends mornings studying Spanish or getting a shave. Follows Jake and Brett to church, but is pleasant during the walk to the gypsy camp. Jake wishes Mike would not treat him so badly.
- Bill Gorton
Sometimes accompanies Jake on walks or writes in his room. Jake notes that Bill is a 'good drunk.'
- Mike Campbell
Stays in bed until noon with Brett. Jake describes him as a 'bad drunk' who behaves terribly to Cohn, though Jake admits he likes to see Cohn hurt.
Key passages
“I knew that now, reading it in the oversensitized state of my mind after much too much brandy, I would remember it somewhere, and afterward it would seem as though it had really happened to me. I would always have it. That was another good thing you paid for and then had.”
Jake believes that his drunken reading of Turgenev will become a permanent, vivid memory, which he considers a valuable possession earned through the experience.
Illustrates Jake's philosophy of paying for experiences and the value of internalizing art.
“To hell with women, anyway. To hell with you, Brett Ashley.”
Jake expresses his frustration and resentment toward women, specifically Brett, for the emotional turmoil she causes him.
Highlights Jake's sexual frustration and bitterness in his relationship with Brett.
“That was morality; things that made you disgusted afterward. No, that must be immorality.”
Jake redefines morality as the feeling of disgust after an action, then immediately questions his own definition.
Shows Jake's confused and self-critical moral reasoning, a key aspect of his character.