Sunday, February 10, 2008

"The Sun Also Rises" An Overlap of Three Definitions

In Ernest Hemingway's novel The Sun Also Rises, one can see that there is clear overlap in Durham Peters three definitions of "exile, nomadism, and diaspora". The novel introduces a group of American friends and acquaintances that for various and very different circumstances end up living in Europe, and moving from place to place. They are all in a voluntary physical exile. One could say that, they are in a state of diaspora because they do not seem to long for their nation or their traditions; however, they do seem to be in a state of exile because they all have anguish and hope for an ideal lifestyle. Also, even though they have each other they appear to be so lonely at times, as if they had no connection, which also hints to a nomadic state. They travel from place to place without any strong attachment, they fall in love in a heartbeat and within that same heartbeat they fall out of love.
For example, even though the protagonist portrays a strong and durable love for Brett he still does things that someone in "love distress" would not be able to do. He helps her get together with man that she easily "falls in love" with. He seems to be able to detach himself from that love that he feels for her.

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