The Sun Also Rises Chapter 13
Jake receives a message from Mike saying that they will not arrive in Pamplona for another three days (on Wednesday), as Brett continues to feel ill. A message from Robert says that they will arrive in Pamplona on Thursday. Jake and Bill respond to Robert, saying that they’ll arrive in Pamplona on Wednesday evening.
They say goodbye to Harris, who is sad to see them go. He gives them his address and asks them to visit. He also gives them gifts of fishing flies that he tied. The men have drinks together, and they invite Harris to join them in Spain. He is unable to accept their invitation, though.
When Jake and Bill arrive in Pamplona, they are greeted by their innkeeper, Montoya. Montoya knows Jake well and respects Jake’s status as a true aficionado of the sport of bullfighting. Jake is a “regular” at the inn, staying there every year during the fiesta. Montoya also tells Jake that his friends have already arrived. Soon, Jake and Bill find Brett, Mike, and Robert at a cafe. Mike shares a story about how he “accidentally” gave away somebody else’s military medals, having had none of his own.
The group observes the bulls being delivered and sees the steers (castrated bulls) work to calm the far more aggressive bulls. Since sometimes the steers are gored while doing so, Jake advises Brett not to watch, but she does so regardless.
Afterward, the group goes to a cafe to drink. Mike becomes agitated towards Robert, mocking Robert’s travel to San Sebastian as being silly. He continues berating Robert, telling him that he simply can’t recognize when people do not want him around. Bill then goes with Robert to calm the situation down. Mike tells Jake that while Brett has had affairs before, she has never done so with a Jew, or with somebody as clingy as Robert is. The whole group then has dinner, and great quantities of wine are consumed.
Analysis
We see that friendships between males can be sincere and strong. The friendship between Jake and Bill demonstrates this and is further showcased by the bond of friendship both develop with Harris, a man they’ve only known for a few days.
Jake also shares a bond with Montoya, as both men share a deep and sincere respect for the sport of bullfighting. Platonic intimacy is seen, as the two men share an “inside secret,” one that is described as something that “outsiders” would not understand. Even communicating via knowing looks demonstrates this intimacy.
Robert’s exclusion from the group develops further, as members of the group continue to be annoyed by his very presence. He is unique among the group, as he is not a veteran, is not a heavy drinker, and has awkward social skills that are not conducive to popularity.
Another interesting analogy found a few times in the book, but particularly in this chapter, is the reference to bulls vs. steers. A bull is a castrated steer, and Jake’s war injury has made him a “steer.”
