Results of analysis and research on feminism and gender issues in the work independently, from a feminist perspective, the female character becomes a new type of female image that breaks
INTRODUCTION
Research question
The study seeks to answer the following questions:
1 How is feminism expressed in The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway in terms of feminist literary criticism/theory?
2 What are the manifestations of gender issues in The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway?
This study examines gender issues within the novel, specifically focusing on the evolving trends of masculinity and femininity, as well as the obstacles to personal expression.
This article examines the stereotypes of women from the Victorian era to the 1920s, highlighting their defining characteristics The analysis is grounded in linguistic evidence drawn from Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises."
This study provides learners of American literature point of view towards gender issues in Hemingway's novels and provides more knowledge about gender at the same time
Apart from abstracts, references, and appendices, the study consists of three main parts:
PART 1 – INTRODUCTION presents the rationale of the study, aims, and objectives of the study, research questions, the scope as well as the significance of the study
PART 2 – DEVELOPMENT is divided into 3 chapters:
Chapter 1 - LITERATURE REVIEW provides the theoretical background for the study including the definition of feminism, feminist theory, gender, gender role, gender identity
Chapter 2 – METHODOLOGY describes the methodology used in the research including the research methodology, data collection instruments, data analysis
Chapter 3 - FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS reports and discusses the findings of the study
PART 3 – CONCLUSION summarizes the main issues that have been addressed in the study, points out the limitations, draws pedagogical implications concerning the research topic, and suggests several solutions.
DEVELOPMENT
Vietnamese author Le Dinh Cuc (1999) critiques the portrayal of female characters in Hemingway's works, noting that despite Hemingway's success in crafting captivating love stories, he fails to create fully developed female characters In "Farewell to Arms," for instance, Catherine is depicted not as an individual with her own identity, but rather as a romanticized ideal Hemingway's female characters often fall into two extremes: on one hand, there are the attractive, gentle, and spirited women, while on the other, there are stubborn girls who reflect a more complex personality.
In Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises," female characters often dominate and challenge their male counterparts, exemplified by Brett's complex persona Another type of female character in Hemingway's works is characterized by a curt and brusque demeanor, often adorned in exaggerated and grotesque styles, reflecting Hemingway's discomfort with certain feminine traits Among these characters, Pilar stands out as the most compelling; she is sharp, outspoken, intelligent, and occasionally exhibits tact and grace Through these portrayals, Hemingway's female characters reveal not only their own complexities but also reflect aspects of Hemingway's own character and experiences.
He discussed symbolism within the novel Le Dinh Cuc cited the woman's hair in Hemingway's work united of the important images with symbolic meaning:
Hemingway explores the symbolism of women's hair throughout his three war novels, where it serves as a haunting motif In "The Sun Also Rises," the protagonist is captivated by a woman's hair, while in "A Farewell to Arms," Catherine's hair symbolizes love and loss Similarly, in "For Whom the Bell Tolls," Maria's hair represents beauty amidst the chaos of war.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Review of the previous studies
Vietnamese author Le Dinh Cuc (1999) critiques the portrayal of female characters in Hemingway's works, noting that despite Hemingway's success in crafting captivating love stories, he fails to create fully realized female identities In "Farewell to Arms," for instance, Catherine is depicted not as an independent character but rather as an idealized romantic figure Hemingway's female characters often fall into two extremes: on one hand, there are the charming, spirited women he admires, and on the other, there are the stubborn girls who reflect a different aspect of femininity.
In Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises," female characters often torment their male counterparts, exemplified by Brett's complex persona Another type of female character in Hemingway's works is characterized by a curt and brusque demeanor, often adorned in absurd and grotesque fashions, reflecting Hemingway's discomfort with certain feminine traits Among his female characters, Pilar stands out as the most compelling; she is sharp, outspoken, intelligent, and occasionally tactful and graceful Through these portrayals, Hemingway's female characters reveal both the shadows and the essence of his own character.
He discussed symbolism within the novel Le Dinh Cuc cited the woman's hair in Hemingway's work united of the important images with symbolic meaning:
Hemingway explores the theme of symbolism through the motif of women's hair, which recurs in his three war novels This motif is evident in "The Sun Also Rises," where the protagonist is captivated by a woman's hair, as well as in "A Farewell to Arms," where Catherine's hair symbolizes love and loss Additionally, in "For Whom the Bell Tolls," Maria's hair serves as a poignant reminder of beauty amidst the chaos of war.
The hair represents the mistress, embodying qualities of gentleness, grace, and seduction, which is why significant attention is given to it Whether admiring Catherina's long hair or allowing Brett to cut it short, the intention remains the same: to honor the mistress.
In "Ernest Hemingway – Núi Băng và Hiệp sĩ" (1999), Le Huy Bac explores the significance of female characters' hair in Hemingway's works, noting the contrast between Catherine's silky black hair and Maria's cropped style, as well as the longing for long hair in "Cat in the Rain" and Brett's short haircut Despite these insightful observations, Bac's analysis primarily focuses on the male protagonist, leading to a lack of independent and systematic recognition of the feminine characters.
In her master's thesis "Death within the Short Story," Nguyen Thi Ngoc Ha explores the symbolic significance of the feminine figure in Hemingway's work, asserting that the female character serves as a representation of death She notes, "The image of a girl also represents death within the eyes of the author; the looks of the girl also evoke death for the characters" (29).
“Hemingway: a group of Critical Essays” (1962) compiled by Robert P Weeks
In "Men without Women," Leslie Fiedler and Mark Spilka in "The Death of Affection within The Sun Also Rises" explore the characteristics that shape the feminine character of Brett Fiedler notes that Hemingway adeptly portrays the complexities of masculinity and femininity through Brett's character, highlighting the author's comfort in addressing themes of men without women.
In Hemingway's work, women are often portrayed as soft and dependent, primarily existing to perpetuate the race The author distinguishes between American and British women, noting that American women lead lewd lives devoid of faith, while British women are depicted as imperfect Leslie Fiedler and Mark Spilka provide critical insights into the character of Brett, the central female figure in Hemingway's narrative Fiedler observes that Brett never fully embodies traditional femininity, despite her efforts, while Spilka highlights her reckless behavior, including excessive drinking and promiscuity Both critics view the women in Hemingway's stories, including Brett, as victims of their circumstances.
Contrary to the views of Mark Spilka and Leslie Feilder Robert O Stephens
In "Ernest Hemingway: Critical Reception" (1977), conflicting opinions arise regarding character development in "The Sun Also Rises." The analysis highlights Hemingway's influence on his characters, portraying Brett as a nymphomaniac and Robert Cohn as a swashbuckler, while Jake embodies a sense of helplessness This perspective adds depth to the understanding of Brett's character within the narrative.
Research on female characters in Hemingway's works has garnered significant interest from both domestic and international scholars However, these characters have not been examined independently; rather, they are often discussed within the broader context of Hemingway's plots, dialogues, and central characters.
Hemingway's portrayal of feminine characters often lacks a positive perspective, which is notably absent from domestic studies within feminist theory While the application of feminist analysis abroad has gained traction, Hemingway's rationale for examining female characters remains ambiguous This article aims to provide an objective view of the characteristics and development of feminine characters in Hemingway's work, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of their roles.
Review of theoretical background
According to Kathy Caprino, feminism is defined as advocating for women's rights on the idea of gender equality (including social, economic, and political equality)
In "The Second Sex," published in 1947, Simone de Beauvoir examines the oppression of women and advocates for their liberation She argues that the root of women's oppression lies in the historical and social construction of femininity Beauvoir critiques the patriarchal culture that has marginalized women, asserting that in this male-dominated society, men represent humanity and history, while women are relegated to the status of "Others," dependent on men for validation This groundbreaking work has elevated the women's liberation movement, prompting a global reevaluation of women's roles and contributions.
Brett is a liberated character who embodies independent thinking and self-determination With her wit, strong-mindedness, and caustic humor, she serves as a heroine who expands societal definitions of womanhood in contemporary culture.
Feminist theory encompasses a range of concepts that can be interpreted broadly or narrowly, addressing philosophical and cultural issues surrounding gender inequality It advocates for equality between women and men and establishes standards for women's rights and roles in society.
A Feminist could be one that supports the assumption that girls should have the identical rights and opportunities as men
Feminist criticism, a key aspect of feminism, focuses on how literature either supports or challenges the economic, political, social, and psychological oppression of women (Tyson 83).
The term "gender" refers to one of the two sexes, male or female, with a focus on social and cultural distinctions rather than biological differences Additionally, it encompasses a variety of identities that challenge traditional notions of masculinity and femininity.
Gender roles refer to the socially defined behaviors and expectations associated with being male or female in a specific culture or society These roles encompass the characteristics and competencies that society attributes to boys and girls, shaping their identities and interactions.
Gender issues within the work: masculine and female tendencies and barriers to the individual expression of character
A role, often called a sex role, is defined as a social role that includes a range of behaviors and attitudes deemed acceptable or desirable based on an individual's biological or perceived sex (Alters & Schiff, 2009).
The traits described for typical masculine behavior are assertive, aggressive, logical, pragmatic, competitive, and non-emotional touch Traits commonly related to women are: passive, caring, emotional, and emotional
In a 1958 interview with the Paris Review, Hemingway emphasized the importance of the "iceberg principle" in writing, stating that for every visible part of a story, there are seven-eighths hidden beneath the surface He believed that if a writer leaves out elements due to a lack of understanding, it creates a gap in the narrative.
Hemingway's iceberg principle draws from the natural phenomenon of icebergs, where only a small portion is visible above the surface while the majority remains hidden This principle emphasizes that a writer should deeply understand the underlying issues they wish to convey, stripping away unnecessary details to focus on the essential elements By doing so, readers can grasp the deeper meanings and implications that lie beneath the text Hemingway himself preferred a concise prose style that encapsulated significant human and social issues, allowing for profound insights within a limited narrative framework.
Hemingway’s iceberg theory emphasizes succinct and direct writing, where the author's emotions and thoughts are subtly embedded within vivid imagery This approach skillfully merges sensibility and perceptibility in literature, inviting readers to delve into the underlying emotions and ideas conveyed through distinct images The four key elements of this theory—concise language, specific imagery, rich emotions, and significant concepts—illustrate that the visible aspects of writing represent only a fraction of the deeper meaning, akin to the "one-eighth" of an iceberg above water.
"seven-eight" The formers are specific and visual while the latter is implied within
10 the former The words portray the images; the emotion is embodied within the images; the thought is embodied within the emotion
Hemingway refrains from explicitly conveying the emotions or thoughts of his characters, allowing readers to interpret their backgrounds and intentions By doing so, he encourages readers to engage creatively and fill in the gaps, aiming to evoke their own emotions and immerse them in the narrative experience This approach enables readers to discover the underlying significance of the story.
Hemingway's writing style, while succinct, does not compromise the use of literary devices in his novels, particularly in The Sun Also Rises These devices enhance his writing, allowing for a deeper expression of ideas and themes By employing literary techniques, Hemingway emphasizes key concepts, strengthens the narrative, and fosters a connection between readers and the characters.
In my opinion, it is not difficult to see that in The Sun Also Rises Some literary devices can be named as simile, symbolism, imagery
Symbolism bullfighting is probably the most obvious symbol in the entire novel
In "The Sun Also Rises," bullfighting in Pamplona symbolizes the conflicts among Jake Barnes and his friends over Lady Brett Ashley Hemingway's rich imagery allows readers to vividly visualize each setting, contrasting the vibrant descriptions of peaceful places like Burguete with the more subdued portrayal of Paris Phrases such as “green fields” and “red-tiled roofs” enhance the scenes, as color plays a crucial role in his depictions, bringing the characters' surroundings to life.
11 story so great is how beautifully the cities are described that it makes you feel as if you are there next to the characters
Hemingway also compared it very skillfully when describing the outstanding appearance of the female character Lady Brett Ashley: "her hair was combed back like a boy".
METHODOLOGY
Research question
How is feminism expressed in The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway in terms of feminist literary criticism/theory?
What are the manifestations of gender issues in The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway?
Research methods
To clarify the objective of the thesis, the study is carried out according to the following methods:
The qualitative research method focuses on collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, such as text, video, or audio, to gain a deeper understanding of concepts, opinions, and experiences This approach is valuable for obtaining in-depth insights into specific problems and for generating new research ideas.
Descriptive method: describing details, the image of the woman built by the author in the historical context of the work
Analytical method: analyzing details, the image of the woman built by the author in the historical context of the work
The Iceberg Theory, developed by American author Ernest Hemingway, emphasizes a concise writing style influenced by his background in journalism Hemingway believed that by eliminating unnecessary details, writing becomes more engaging, allowing readers to focus on surface elements while subtly conveying deeper themes without direct discussion.
An overview about the author, the work
Ernest Miller Hemingway, born on July 21, 1899, in Cicero, Illinois, is recognized as one of the most significant American writers of the twentieth century He made his mark as a novelist, short story writer, journalist, and sportsman, and is celebrated for his impactful contributions to literature.
World War I, later known as the "Lost Generation" In a sense, the wound of war has affected him and his writings
The Iceberg Theory, a distinctive element in Hemingway's writing, emphasizes the significance of addition and accumulation, profoundly impacting twentieth-century literature Central to his work is the theme of stoicism, which embodies the acceptance of adversity Hemingway's prolific output occurred primarily between the mid-1920s and the mid-1950s, with his debut publication being "Three Stories and Ten Poems" in 1923.
In the same year, Hemingway released his debut novel, *The Sun Also Rises*, and later received the Pulitzer Prize in 1953 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954 His notable works, including *Men Without Women* (1927), *A Farewell to Arms*, *For Whom the Bell Tolls* (1940), and *The Old Man and the Sea* (1952), are now regarded as classics of American literature.
"The Sun Also Rises," a 1926 novel by renowned American author Ernest Hemingway, explores the theme of the "Lost Generation," a group of young individuals profoundly affected by World War I Contrary to common perceptions of their hedonism, Hemingway portrays them as more complex and nuanced The characters are inspired by real people from Hemingway's life, and the narrative is rooted in actual events, particularly his experiences in 1920s Paris.
"The Sun Also Rises" depicts a group of young American and British expatriates exploring Europe in the mid-1920s These characters embody the cynical and disillusioned Lost Generation, shaped by their experiences during World War I.
Lady Brett Ashley and Jake Barnes, two central characters in the novel, symbolize the Lost Generation Jake, who serves as the narrator and is likely a writer and World War I veteran, faced a significant physical challenge during the war.
14 him weak After the conflict, Jake moved to Paris, where he lives close to his companion, the Jewish creator Robert Cohn
Jake's former lover, Brett, resides in Paris, where they initially met during the war when she, a volunteer nurse, treated his injuries Their relationship is complicated by Jake's inability to have children and Brett's hesitance towards intimacy When Cohn expresses his feelings for Brett, Jake warns him against pursuing her, as she is engaged to Mike Campbell, a Scottish veteran Shortly after, Bill Gorton, another friend of Jake's, arrives in Paris, and they plan a trip to the Fiesta in Pamplona, Spain, to experience the running of the bulls and the bullfights Before their departure, they encounter Brett and Mike, who wish to join them, and Brett reveals that she recently spent time in Spain with Cohn.
Bill and Jake travel to the south of France, where they meet Cohn before heading to Pamplona In Pamplona, they stay at a hotel with Montoya, a bullfighting enthusiast eager to introduce them to the sport Brett and Jake are captivated by the bullfights, and Brett becomes infatuated with a young matador, Pedro Romero As tensions rise among Mike, Cohn, and Jake over Brett, she ultimately leaves for Madrid with Romero After the festival, Jake, Mike, and Bill depart Pamplona, but Jake returns to Spain upon receiving a message from Brett asking for help In Madrid, he learns that Brett sent Romero away, fearing she would tarnish his reputation The story concludes with a conversation between Jake and Brett in a taxi in Madrid.
World War I casts a significant shadow over the characters in The Sun Also Rises, as the conflict devastated Europe, dismantling empires and longstanding governments The brutal nature of the war revealed the emptiness of traditional values such as honor and bravery, which had previously driven nations into battle This transformation affected all who experienced the war, leading to the emergence of the "lost generation." Through the experiences of Jake and his friends, The Sun Also Rises vividly illustrates the impact of this profound societal shift.
Jake and his companions struggle with a profound sense of disillusionment, having lost faith in the values and identities that once defined them before World War I This loss, while liberating, also leaves them feeling unmoored and restless, as they wander in search of meaning and a change of perspective Although they prefer life in America over Europe, they remain trapped in a state of exile, critiquing European culture without fully engaging with it The characters feel a pervasive sense of alienation, lacking a true sense of belonging Many of Jake's friends hold jobs in writing and editing, yet these roles lack structure and accountability, leading to a lifestyle filled with socializing, drinking, and dancing What initially seems like vibrant activity becomes monotonous and draining, trapping them in a cycle of emptiness as they constantly seek the next distraction.
In the novel, Cohn stands out as a character who does not conform to the portrayal of a lost generation, primarily due to his Jewish identity and his heartfelt, albeit perhaps misguided, beliefs and aspirations Notably, he is the only male character who has not directly experienced the war Throughout the narrative, Cohn grapples with his principles, suggesting that the loss of faith in traditional systems is not only a significant emotional loss but may also offer a more accurate understanding of the world.
Analytical framework
This study focuses on the analysis of Jake Baner and Lady Brett Ashley, exploring feminism and gender issues through the personalities, appearances, and behaviors of the female characters, as well as the unconventional relationships between the two main characters.
This essay explores gender dynamics by examining the masculine and feminine traits embodied by the character Lady Brett Ashley, while also addressing the obstacles to personal expression through the conflicting actions and behaviors of the male characters.
The book The Sun Also Rises is Hemingway’s classics of American literature, which makes him become one of the most famous voices of the “Lost Generation”
The enduring success of the novel can be attributed to the author's intricate and controversial portrayal of each character's personality.
The Sun Also Rises by Hemingway captivates both scholars and critics, primarily through its exploration of character theory Through figures like Jake Barnes, Robert Cohn, and Lady Brett Ashley, Hemingway effectively illustrates the dynamics of World War I The novel delves into themes such as masculinity, the consequences of war, the disillusionment of post-war youth, the emergence of modern women, and the erosion of Victorian values, prompting profound questions about identity and challenging traditional gender roles.
3.1 Feminism Lady Brett Ashley character analysis
Feminism fundamentally advocates for women's equal rights across various domains, including the economy, society, and education Researchers generally concur that, in a broad sense, feminism seeks to align women's rights with men's interests to attain gender equality In a more specific context, feminism is closely associated with the themes of gender and sex in literature.
Gender and sex are essential concepts for understanding love between males and females Feminism seeks to establish equality between men and women while also promoting unique female characteristics and standards.
Feminism is the result of the movement for equal rights for women, one of the longest and most widespread movements in human history An important
The emergence of modern bourgeois revolutionary movements marks a significant milestone in the history of feminism These movements have been closely linked to women's demands for equal rights and benefits, including the right to vote, the freedom to practice their professions, equal pay for equal work, and the right to protection.
In "The Second Sex," published in 1947, Simone de Beauvoir examines the oppression of women and advocates for their liberation She argues that the root of this oppression lies in the historical and social construction of women as the "Other," a concept that highlights their subordinate status in a patriarchal culture Beauvoir critiques how masculinity has dominated literature and the arts, positioning men as synonymous with humanity and history Her work is pivotal in advancing the feminist movement, compelling society to reevaluate and affirm the role of women.
Women's rights have evolved significantly through social movements that reflect changes in societal awareness, institutions, and ethnicities A key element of feminist theory relevant to Hemingway's female characters is the foundational principle of women's rights.
Brett stands out as the first and only female central character in Hemingway's novels, making her a focal point for scholars analyzing his works Her portrayal serves as a significant representation within the narrative, drawing considerable interest from literary critics.
"a new woman" The most important of the major traits is the blend of femininity
19 and masculinity mentioned previously in both appearance and behavior, such as her role in the relationship
Brett's appearance in "The Sun Also Rises" reflects a blend of femininity and masculinity, challenging traditional gender norms Described by Jake as wearing a "thin cardigan and tweed skirt" (TSAR 29), her style signifies a departure from the Victorian era's long hair symbolizing femininity With her hair "combed back like a boy" (TSAR 29), Brett embodies a new age of women, showcasing a sexy femininity intertwined with masculine traits Her unconventional fashion choices highlight her freedom to express her identity, as she navigates a flexible and dynamic gender role Jake's remark, "She Started It All" (TSAR 29), emphasizes Brett's conscious effort to redefine her look and assert her non-traditional identity.
Brett shows up at the same bar as Jake with a group of teenagers and starts dancing Jake stood at the bar chatting with Robert Cohn when Brett said:
‚Hello, Brett,‛ I said Why are you not tight? '
Will never be tight again say, for a chapter of brandy and soda ‛(TSAR 29)
At the bar, she felt a sense of freedom and relaxation, a stark contrast to its pre-World War I reputation as a predominantly male space, showcasing her familiarity with the environment and the individuals around her.
Hemingway portrays Brett as a symbol of liberation, embodying independence and strength Unlike traditional female characters who are gentle and fragile, Brett is witty and self-reliant, making her a distinctive figure in his philosophy Her assertiveness in a male-dominated environment highlights her uniqueness and challenges societal norms.
Brett's engagement with bullfighting challenges traditional gender norms, as she not only attends but also actively participates in and comprehends the event Her assertiveness is evident even before the first fight, as she stands with Jake to observe the bulls being brought in Despite Jake's warnings about the brutality and masculinity associated with bullfights, urging her to close her eyes to avoid witnessing the aftermath of the bulls goring the horses, Brett remains undeterred.
Brett continued to watch, mesmerized After the gang returns from the bullfight Jake questions Brett about her reactions:
Wonderfully! Simply perfect I say it is a spectacle!
'I couldn’t help looking at them.‛
"She couldn't take her eyes off them,‛ Mike said
Brett said.‚I couldn't look away, though.‛‚Did you feel alright?‛
I didn’t feel badly at all‛ (TSAR 169)
Brett embodies the modern woman, breaking free from traditional gender roles She embraces adventurous, masculine activities and champions a lifestyle of freedom By actively participating in redefining social roles, Brett successfully blurs the lines between femininity and masculinity, representing a new era of gender equality.