To say The Sun Also Rises focuses on the masculinity of its characters would be an understatement. However, I would argue that this book does more to introduce the rise of feminism and to make the world more comfortable with the term than on masculinity. The primary example, of course, being Lady Brett Ashley. Within the 1920s atmosphere, Brett embodies the individual, free thinking woman and continuously defies female restrictions. From her physical appearance to her sexuality, Hemingway created a character that has truly influenced the original audience’s view on women.
To start, Brett follows the fashions. She wears the latest clothing and sports a short haircut, a haircut reminiscent of a more masculine style. If she were to be a part of today’s society, she would definitely be a part of the high fashion society in France or New York or whatnot. Yet, at the time, this stylistic approach to female dress represents more than simply looking good. The 1920s fashion was a way of expressing a woman’s independence from former oppressions (such as the corset). In Brett’s case, she not only uses her style to establish her independence but also introduce her more masculine traits.
For example, Brett drinks with men and does not shy from alcohol that may be deemed more “manly”. Along the same lines, we always see Brett hanging out with men. In one of the first scenes we see her in, Brett is partying with a large group of men and for the rest of the novel there isn’t any reference to her female comrades. This suggests that she is truly a “man’s woman” and combined with her promiscuity, suggests a freedom from society’s expectations of a “pure” woman. Especially in the scene with the bullfights, Brett’s ability to withstand the brutality of the fights also proves Brett’s ability to assert herself into masculine society. Compared to Cohn’s inability to watch the violence, this points out the inconsistency in the perception that all women are faint of heart and opens the door to finding other things that women can do just as well as men.
Hemingway does an excellent job of portraying Jake’s surprise and introduces the concept known as feminism without explicitly saying so. The interesting thing about The Sun Also Rises is that it not only explores the idea of gender equality but it also goes into further detail about what it means to be a woman with desires and anxieties. Throughout the novel, we see Brett’s aggressive sexual antics and high level of “activity” which wasn’t a subject that was often explored at the time. However, this subject has faced backlash. Some say her power over her lovers contributes largely to the argument that Brett is a “bitch” who seeks to use these men before ultimately throwing them away. Yet, her ability to control her relationships (she is the initiator/terminator of all her relationships) shows that the relationship is based on her terms and gives Brett power over her affairs. So while her actions may not be accepted by everybody, Brett’s dominance in the relationship not only threatens men, but also threatens the patriarchal order.
As a result, Brett epitomizes the 1920s woman and the growing popularity of the independent woman. While it may not be a main focus of the novel, Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises broadcasts the changing role of women in society and introduces the concept of feminism to many of its readers. Although many people may find Brett annoying or “bitchy”, her character continues to explore female independence and equality in a way that continues to impact readers of the current generation.
