Lessons from Hemingway

Hemingway is a master of subtle symbolism, and his novel "The Sun Also Rises" is no exception. It ends with Brett crying in Jake's arms and still unreconciled to the separation of their paths. She says, "Oh, Jake, we could have had such a damned good time together." This last scene is linked to the title which describes dawn - the time of day where lovers part. And although at first glance the story appears hopeless, I think the lives of Hemingway's characters point to the evil under the sun that Solomon said was common to man: he can have all the wealth and honor to be desired, but without the gift of enjoyment it all turns to vanity. Contrary to modern beliefs that we should seek for more of what gives us pleasure, perhaps we should look for the ability to enjoy what we already have.