In The Club

First of all, I would like to say that the conclusions drawn in this post are based on Jake’s (and seemingly Hemingway’s) views. One scene of particular interest to me in the book is the scene in the bar with Jake and the gay men. While it only lasts for about a page, it very deeply delves into Jake’s character. As with the “iceberg effect,” one can tease so much out of this little scene. Jake is utterly disgusted with these homosexual men because they have shunned an opportunity. They actually could be manly men, but have chosen not to be. Jake has been denied this choice, having (in his eyes) his very manhood destroyed. While Jake does not openly express why he is so annoyed with the men, it is very obvious. They have chosen to live a supposedly unmanly life, like Jake. Jake has to suffer all the time because of his unmanliness (once again, this is entirely from his own perspective), and he has no choice. Meanwhile, these men have chosen this “cursed” life. In a way, it seems that they are mocking everything Jake is. They mimic his situation jokingly, bouncing around clubs, laughing and drinking and hanging out with women, enjoying themselves. They parade themselves around in front of Jake, enjoying a situation that has pretty much destroyed his life; he cannot be with the woman he loves. Also, it is interesting to note Brett’s comfort with the group of gay men. She talks about how she can drink without regard around them and she can be comfortable. This mirrors her situation with Jake. We only really see Brett’s true emotions when she is with Jake. She is incredibly comfortable around him, not feeling the need to put up a façade of happiness or confidence. This further hurts Jake as he has to sit there and be reminded of the fact that he is a totally non-sexual object in Brett’s eyes. Due to this, he can never truly be with her, as she seems to feel that sex is a necessity in a loving relationship.