The Sun Also Rises Chapter 12

While Bill is still asleep, Jake gets up early to collect fishing worms. Later, Bill challenges Jake to say things that exemplify irony and pity, maintaining that as an expatriate, Jake does not understand these concepts. He jokingly claims that expatriates are drunks who care only about sex, and also claims that they are poor writers. 

Bill continues, saying that some people believe that Jake is impotent. Jake responds that this is not so… he was injured in the war, rendering him unable to have sex. 

Bill tells Jake that he is the founder of Jake than any other man. He also notes that he would not be able to make such a statement in the United States, as there he would have been labeled a “faggot.” He then jokes about how the Civil War was all about homosexuality. 

Jake and Bill take a very long walk—many miles— through beautiful country, in their quest to find a perfect place to fish. Upon arrival, they cool their bottles of wine in the spring and commence fishing. Both are successful, but Bill’s fish are larger. At lunch, they discuss friends, and Jake tells Bill that he was in love with Brett for a very long time. After eating, they nap before heading back to the inn. 

The two spent five days at Burguete, fishing and playing cards with an Englishman they meet, a man named Harris. 

Analysis 

Here Jake and Bill “go deeper” into the relaxing, rural atmosphere. Because they can enjoy leisure activities, as opposed to the endless social obligations experienced in the city, the two men can truly enjoy each other’s company and communicate with greater honesty and depth. The shallow relationships seen thus far among men are contrasted with the friendship bond that develops in this more wholesome atmosphere. 

The men even meet a new friend, Harris, a genuinely kind and decent man who appears to enjoy their company. Harris joins them for cards and conversation.