“What We Lost in the Great War”

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“ ‘Besides, what happened to me is supposed to be funny. I never think about it’ ” “ ‘Oh, no. I’ll lay you don’t’ ” This quote sets up the idea of loss Jake Barnes suffered in the war. His castration led him to lose not only his manhood but also his chance with Lady Brett Ashley. Though Jake tries to play down his infatuation and love of Brett, it sometimes shows. However, the reader understand that Jake does truly love Brett. Jake also understands that since Brett is a women of aficion and passion, Jake’s loss also means the ultimate loss of Brett. It is no secret to the characters and the reader than Brett could not go without intimacy, and since Jake will never ever to fully supply that intimacy, their relationship will never be complete. Even though Jake and Brett might be right for each other, Brett will in the end return to Micheal. “I was all bandaged up. But they had told him about it… ‘have given more than your life.’ What a speech!” Although Jake was spared his life in the great war, he lost another part of his life and future. Jack tries to compensate his lack of any real future with Brett or any other women with his passion for bullfighing and other frivalties. In John Steele Gordon’s article, “What We Lost in the Great War” Gordon laments the loss of hope and future the generation of the war felt. The characters of the novel, and especially Jake, exemplify the lack of direction felt after the war. Their aimless drinking, parties and participation in the fiesta is an example of the absence of focus in their life. “Romero was the whole show. I do not think Brett saw any other bull-fighter…there were two other matadors, but they did not count.” Romero is shown as the hopeful youth with a future, as oppos... ... middle of paper ... ... became his vice-president. Question: How did the split between Jefferson and Adams affect the politics of America Chapter 6: The Friendship In chapter 6, Ellis continues story of the politcal divide between Jefferson and Adams. Ellis describes the aftermath of Adam’s presidency and therefor defeat of Jefferson. Adams emotinal and erratic response to Jefferson’s presidency is also noted. However, their divide is soon closed and their shaky friendship grows again with a renewed correspondense through letters. Ellis deals with the letters sent back and forth after both men had retired and the signfigance of the letters. He also shows how the letters lead to eventual arguments. In the end, the friendship is shines through when both men die on the same day, with Adams dying words a tribute to his friend. Question: How did Adams personality affect his politics?

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