The Sun Also Rises...in 2020

Throughout my time reading this book, I've realized that the characters seem extraordinarily modern. It's a wonder to think how they must've come across in the time period that the book debuted in 1925. Take Brett for example: In 1925, even though it was in a progressive time period for women's rights--specifically in the suffrage movement--women were still very much the victim of oppression and suppression in their everyday lives. I wonder if it was hard to accept a character such as Brett, headstrong, and tomboyish as she was. I could very well see her character existing in today's world, which makes me wonder how much the times have actually changed in the last century. 

Other parts of Brett's persona make me wonder about this as well. For example, her obvious relationship issues and, I believe, slight pistanthrophobia (fear of getting hurt in a romantic relationship). Throughout the book, we see Brett go from relationship to relationship--never settling--and it's obvious to see that she has some relationship issues. However, she doesn't want to be alone forever--we know this because of how she complains to Jake about this all the time. On the subject, there is also the detail that Brett is constantly avoiding a relationship with Jake. I believe that this ties into how her husband died and she feels that she can't love anyone else after him because she's scared of getting hurt again. This would explain her relationship hopping and the hints of gold-digging in her nature. Also, Jake's injury plays a role in that because it contributes to her logic of why she would be hurt while also giving her all the more reason not to get close in the first place. 

Her problems, complex as they are, make complete sense to me. Trust and commitment issues due to past trauma are a very real problem in the 21st century, which is why I think Brett's character is so relatable and "modern." It makes me speculate that Brett isn't as much of a "modern" character as much as an honest one. I believe that humanity has been dealing with these issues since the dawn of time, yet it's only recently becoming more commonplace to discuss such issues. Overall, I think there are many aspects in "The Sun Also Rises" that reflect the time period of its debut. However, I think some features, especially Brett's character, are timeless and could be easily staged in today's world. What do you think about the topicality of "The Sun Also Rises?"

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