The Representation of Masculinity in The Sun Also Rises: A Close Analysis of Jake Barnes and Robert Cohn

Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises delves into the complexities of masculinity in the post-World War I era, capturing the emotional and psychological struggles of men who are forced to redefine their identity in a rapidly changing world. The characters of Jake Barnes and Robert Cohn offer contrasting portrayals of masculinity, highlighting the societal pressures, internal conflicts, and emotional challenges that define their manhood. This article will examine how Hemingway portrays masculinity through these two central characters, how their personal struggles reflect the broader cultural context of the 1920s, and what the novel suggests about the nature of masculinity in times of crisis.

Jake Barnes is the novel’s protagonist and a quintessential example of Hemingway’s exploration of masculinity. A war veteran who is left impotent by a war wound, Jake’s masculinity is deeply impacted by his physical injury. His impotence becomes both a symbol of his inability to fully engage with life and love, as well as a metaphor for the emotional and psychological scars left by the war. Jake’s struggle with his physical condition is tied to his sense of identity, as he feels emasculated by his inability to fulfill traditional masculine roles, particularly in his relationship with Brett Ashley. His suffering is internalized, and he expresses his masculinity through stoicism, self-discipline, and a detached, almost emotionally distant persona.

Despite his emotional depth, Jake is often restrained in his actions and speech, embodying Hemingway’s “iceberg theory” of writing, where much is left unsaid. Jake’s masculinity is characterized by a quiet, self-imposed strength. His role as a “man’s man” is complicated by his emotional vulnerability and internalized guilt, especially regarding his relationship with Brett. His inability to have children or to fully possess Brett causes him immense pain, but he rarely expresses this anguish outwardly, reinforcing the idea of masculinity as a burden that must be silently borne.

Robert Cohn, on the other hand, represents a contrasting vision of masculinity in The Sun Also Rises. Cohn, a former boxing champion, is an outsider among the group of expatriates, and his masculinity is defined by insecurity and a desire to prove himself. Unlike Jake, who finds meaning in emotional restraint, Cohn is driven by a need for approval and acceptance, often feeling alienated from the group. His physical prowess as a boxer does not provide him with emotional or psychological strength, as he lacks the internal confidence that Jake possesses. Cohn’s repeated failures in relationships, particularly with Brett, reflect his struggle to understand what it means to be a man in a world that values emotional resilience over physical power.

Cohn’s jealousy and aggression towards Jake and other men in the novel also underscore his internal conflict with masculinity. He is often portrayed as more sensitive and idealistic than the other male characters, which isolates him from the group and reinforces his feelings of inadequacy. Hemingway contrasts Cohn’s more conventional understanding of masculinity with Jake’s complex, emotionally conflicted persona, suggesting that traditional notions of masculinity are not sufficient in a post-war world that requires new definitions of strength and emotional honesty.

In conclusion, The Sun Also Rises offers a nuanced exploration of masculinity through the characters of Jake Barnes and Robert Cohn. Hemingway’s portrayal of these two men reveals the tensions between traditional masculine ideals and the emotional vulnerabilities that arise in times of personal and societal upheaval. The novel suggests that true masculinity is not defined by physical prowess or social approval, but by the ability to confront and cope with emotional and psychological challenges. Through Jake and Cohn, Hemingway provides a compelling commentary on the complexity of manhood in the post-war era.