Today, after the interruption of the fire drill, we began class with two writing prompts- one that dealt with the epigraphs before the novel even begins, and the other with the very first chapter. Personally, I chose the epigraphs. I wrote that the lost generation applied to everyone of that age group. I did not exempt those who never served like Robert Cohn because they were affected through their relationships with those who experienced "shell shock" and other roles in the war. The horrific event of the war and the consequences permeate through the generation. Certainly it affected those who lived it more, but it applies to the others as well. Such negativity is not confined to one group.
With the second epigraph from Ecclesiastes, one would think that a book of the Bible would be used to spread a hopeful message. However, as usual, Hemingway used the cyclical repetition of the sun, wind, and water in the passage to turn the meaning of the verses on its head. I interpreted that Hemingway is saying that being cyclical is not only a part of nature but a part of OUR nature. Intrinsically, we, just like other forms of our environment, are designed to keep a general pattern. Unfortunately for the characters in The Sun Also Rises, we tend to stay along with bad cycles as well. However, breaking it can be done, as hinted by Brett's actions in the end of the novel.
Is that what Hemingway intended for us to understand? If so, what does that inspire y'all to do?
xoxo Annie
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