Opening and Closing Scenes of Brett and Jake

The closing scene involving Brett and Jake invokes a sense of deja vu, as the scene draws upon many parallels from the first moment of Brett and Jake together. The progression of the novel and the characters add to the culmination of this final scene in comparison to the beginning, exemplifying new developments and differences.

One of the first scenes of Brett and Jake depict the two of them together in a car, exchanging signs of affection towards one another. A point of conversation reads, 

“You mustn’t. You must know. I can’t stand it, that’s all. Oh darling, please understand!”

“Don’t you love me?”
     “Love you? I simply turn all to jelly when you touch me” (30).

This exchange between Brett and Jake seems to be one of genuinity, as I believe that they do have real feelings for one another. However, a later point in the conversation shows that there are and have been complications with their relationship:
 “‘And there’s not a damn thing that we could do,’ I said.”

“‘I don’t know,’ she said. ‘I don’t want to go through that hell again.’”

“We’d better keep away from each other” (31).

Their further exchanges give clues to the history between the two of them, revealing that they had been in a relationship prior but it did not seem to go well. Additionally, Brett doesn’t seem to be satisfied given their inability to have a sexual relationship due to Jake’s injury. However, the ending parts of their encounter seem to leave an open end, proven as their friendship/relationship continues throughout the duration of the novel. Brett seems to hold a dependency towards Jake, and Jake is found throughout the book to be extremely jealous when Brett is around other men. 

The closing scene of Jake and Brett together is seemingly similar to the beginning scene, with the two of them in a car once again, affectionate with one another. This scene however, weighs differently considering the growth of their characters and their relationship. There seems to be a sense of closure as well as acceptance of finality with this ending moment. This is further supported with Brett mentioning how they could have been good together, and Jake saying, “Yes…Isn’t it pretty to think so?” (250). Jake’s final statement shows that he himself is accepting that it wouldn’t be possible for them to move forward, despite potential feelings of wanting to, posing a different ending than that of the beginning car scene of them together. 

The intentionality of the beginning and ending scenes being similar seem to picture a full circle moment for Brett and Jake, as they gain realizations and self awareness about their relationship to provide closure and clarity.

     

Comments

  1. Jaewoon JungNovember 4, 2022 at 8:13 PM

    I agree, its an interesting topic. I think the ending scene brought good closure to the situation and is consistent with the almost depressed tone of the lost generation. I like how you said it in your conclusion, I think you did well analyzing the beginning and ending moments.

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  2. Daniel TNovember 6, 2022 at 7:30 AM

    I agree that the contrast does a good job of showing the characters development in a straightforward way. At one point in time before they undergo significant development they react one way to the cab situation, but later when faced with the same thing they behave differently. It is a really simple yet effective way for Hemmingway to show something has changed.

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  3. Khadeejah R.November 6, 2022 at 3:06 PM

    I think that throughout the book, Jake grew and developed while Brett did not. At the beginning, Jake would always ask Brett why they couldn't just be together. By the end, he has more or less accepted that they won't have a relationship together. Brett is still dependent on Jake and she goes through her same patterns within her relationships.

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  4. Noreen AdoniNovember 15, 2022 at 11:33 AM

    I definitely agree that the culminating scene creates a meaningful parallel to the recurring dilemma that Brett and Jake face. I think Jake saying "Isn't it pretty to think so" is what really signifies their acceptance. I wonder if Brett feels the same acceptance as Jake in this moment, since she is the one who more often brings up their love and circles back to the topic.

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