From Dualism to Non-dualism: Re-reading Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises

• Main Authors: Lin, Chun-Mei, 林均美
• Other Authors: Haseltine, Patricia Louise
• Format: Others
• Language: en_US
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/44421248676146317818

碩士 === 靜宜大學 === 英國語文學系 === 99 === This thesis aims to re-examine the The Sun Also Rises to unveil the underlying themes and other meanings the author may be conveying in the subtext of the novel, as well as to explore complex relationships between men and nature in this work. It explores the novel’s leading characters and their relationships in nature and society from the perspective of the ecofeminist critique of dualism. This paper is divided into six parts. The introductory part includes a discussion of research background to Hemingway’s work. Chapter One starts from the discussion of the novel's two epigraphs. I infer that the structure of the two quotations is reflected in the content as well. By the same logic of the two epigraphs and according to Hemingway's writing theory—the iceberg principle—, I examine some contrasting scenes and descriptions in the novel to figure out the novel's significant points under the surface of the text. Chapter Two applies some concepts of ecofeminism to inspect the reversed gender identity of the major male and female characters and the implications of an ecofeminist approach to gender and to discuss the relationship between human beings and nature. Chapter Three recounts the leading male figure Jake's healing and learning journey, from trout-fishing in Burguete, bullfighting in Pamplona, to swimming in San Sebastian. Jake's final reactions to Brett and to his surroundings indicate that his mindset and focus are changed. He has found his way out of his problems in life. He is not lost but transforms into a new man. Chapter Four, an analysis of the controversial female character Lady Brett Ashley, starting from a defense for her, explores her journey into the psyche of men. At the end, Brett is transformed into a new woman. The thesis concludes that through the development of the main characters, Hemingway has constructed a new balance between male and female roles to oppose the conventional gender dualisms.