The Sun Also Rises Essay - Critical Essays

Sample Essay Outlines

Topic #1
Show how Hemingway uses setting to demonstrate his characters’ moral and ethical standards.

I. Thesis Statement: Hemingway uses a variety of settings to demonstrate various characters’ attitudes about life.

II. Paris
A. Excessive drinking
B. No religion
C. Idle rich
D. Abnormal sexual practices

III. Pamplona
A. Bullfighting
B. Cathedrals along countryside
C. Aficiónados

IV. Burguete
A. Fishing
B. Communing with nature
C. Harris

V. San Sebastian
A. Relaxation
B. Swimming
C. Bicycle race

VI. Madrid
A. All roads lead there
B. Comes to terms with Brett
C. Goes to Brett’s rescue

Topic #2
Show how Stein’s “lost generation” is represented in the novel. How does Hemingway feel about them?

I. Thesis Statement: By focusing on various characters’ injuries, Hemingway shows the lack of productivity and morals of the “lost generation.”

II. Jake
A. War injury
B. Impotent
C. Unable to satisfy his true love

III. Brett
A. Lost love
B. Alcoholic
C. Cannot find/keep true love
D. In abusive relationships

IV. Count Mippopolous
A. War injury
B. Self-satisfying
C. Shallow

V. Michael
A. War injury
B. Alcoholic
C. Financially bankrupt
D. Morally bankrupt
E. Mean to Robert

Topic #3
Show how Hemingway uses religion to demonstrate Jake’s code and his violation of it.

I. Thesis Statement: Hemingway uses a religious framework to develop Jake’s code and his violation of it.

II. Fishing in Burguete
A. Communion-like scene
B. Appreciation of nature
C. Simplicity of desires

III. Catholicism
A. On train to Burguete
B. Jake’s praying
C. Various cathedrals
D. Jake’s religion of record

IV. Pedro
A. Priest figure
B. Leader of three matadors
C. Aficiónado
D. Monastic room

V. Brett
A. Mary Magdalene figure
B. Sees she deserves Mike, not Romero
C. Tries to pray for Romero
D. Unable to make inner conversion

VI. Montoya
A. Laying on of hands
B. Secret with Jake
C. Aficiónado
D. Disapproves of Jake’s sin

VII. Bullfighting
A. Ritualistic
B. Spiritually awakening
C. Accompanied by extreme emotion