The Role of Disillusionment in The Sun Also Rises: How the Lost Generation Struggles with Post-War Identity

Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises is a powerful exploration of disillusionment, particularly among the so-called Lost Generation—those who came of age during or after World War I. The characters in the novel, marked by their trauma and disillusionment, struggle to find meaning in a world that seems to have lost its moral and spiritual compass. Through his portrayal of expatriates in 1920s Europe, Hemingway depicts how disillusionment impacts the individual’s sense of self, identity, and purpose. This article will explore the theme of disillusionment in The Sun Also Rises, focusing on how the characters’ experiences reflect the psychological and cultural effects of war and the struggle for personal identity in the aftermath.

The term “Lost Generation,” coined by Gertrude Stein and famously used by Hemingway, describes a group of young people who, after the war, found themselves disconnected from the values and ideals of their parents. The war had shaken their faith in institutions, religion, and the concept of heroism. In The Sun Also Rises, Hemingway’s protagonists, including Jake Barnes, Brett Ashley, and Robert Cohn, embody the internal conflict of this generation. They are not only physically scarred by the war but emotionally shattered by its aftereffects. Their constant searching for meaning in a world that offers no clear answers defines their struggles.

Jake Barnes, the novel’s protagonist, serves as the most direct example of post-war disillusionment. A war veteran, Jake is left physically impotent by a wound sustained in battle. This injury becomes a symbol of his inability to fully engage with life, love, and meaning. His relationship with Brett Ashley, a passionate love affair that is ultimately unfulfilled, reflects the broader theme of disillusionment. Although they love each other, their relationship is deeply affected by Jake’s trauma, and they are both haunted by their inability to find happiness or resolution.

Brett Ashley, another central character, epitomizes the disillusioned woman of the Lost Generation. She is beautiful, confident, and free-spirited, yet she is unable to maintain meaningful relationships, seeking temporary solace in a series of fleeting affairs. Her emotional instability and search for fulfillment in romantic entanglements symbolize the existential crisis many in the Lost Generation faced—constantly seeking meaning and satisfaction but never finding lasting peace.

Robert Cohn’s character also illustrates disillusionment. A former boxing champion, Cohn struggles with his place in society, feeling disconnected from the world around him. His attempts to find meaning in relationships and travel lead to disappointment, as he is constantly seeking but never finding satisfaction. Cohn’s desperation to prove himself and find purpose reflects the broader sense of aimlessness that pervades the novel.

In conclusion, The Sun Also Rises poignantly portrays the disillusionment of the Lost Generation, capturing the deep psychological scars left by World War I. Through the characters of Jake, Brett, and Cohn, Hemingway explores the theme of post-war identity and the struggle for meaning in a fragmented world. The novel’s portrayal of disillusionment remains timeless, offering readers a poignant reflection on the human condition in times of upheaval and uncertainty.