The Sun Also Rises · Chapter
XVIII explained
On the final day of the San Fermín fiesta, the town is crowded with tourists and locals.
What happens
On the final day of the San Fermín fiesta, the town is crowded with tourists and locals. Brett, now openly with Pedro Romero, is radiant and happy, while Mike, drunk and bitter, taunts her about her bullfighter. Jake and Brett visit the chapel briefly, but Brett finds no comfort in prayer. Mike is found passed out in his room. The bullfight features Belmonte, Marcial, and Romero; Romero performs brilliantly, winning the crowd's adoration, while Belmonte struggles with pain and diminished greatness.
Themes in this chapter
Alcohol and Hedonism
The fiesta is marked by heavy drinking; Mike is drunk and abusive, and the dancers are 'quite drunk.'
Ritual and Tradition
The bullfight is a central ritual of the fiesta, with matadors performing traditional passes and the crowd reacting to the spectacle.
Love and Sexual Frustration
Brett's relationship with Romero brings her happiness, but Mike's jealousy and Jake's unrequited feelings highlight the theme of frustrated love.
Characters to notice
- Jake Barnes
Narrates the chapter; observes the fiesta, Brett's happiness, and the bullfight; tries to care for Mike.
- Lady Brett Ashley
Radiant and happy with Romero; dismisses Mike's taunts; prays briefly in the chapel but feels nervous; watches Romero's bullfight.
- Mike Campbell
Drunk and bitter; taunts Brett about Romero; passes out in his room.
- Bill Gorton
At the café with Jake; comments on Brett's lunch and the bullfight.
- Pedro Romero
Brett's bullfighter; performs brilliantly in the ring, winning the crowd; does not look up at Brett during the fight.
- Belmonte
Aging matador; struggles with pain and diminished greatness; overshadowed by Romero's performance.
Key passages
“The fiesta absorbed even the Biarritz English so that you did not see them unless you passed close to a table.”
The festival swallowed up the English tourists, making them invisible unless you were right next to them.
Illustrates the overwhelming, immersive nature of the fiesta.
“I'm damned bad for a religious atmosphere. I've the wrong type of face.”
I'm not suited for religion; my appearance doesn't fit.
Brett's self-deprecating remark about her discomfort in church.
“Pedro Romero had the greatness. He loved bullfighting, and I think he loved the bulls, and I think he loved Brett.”
Romero possessed true excellence; he was passionate about bullfighting, the bulls, and Brett.
Jake's admiration for Romero's authenticity and passion.