The Sun Also Rises Chapter 5

Jake and Robert have lunch, where Jake reveals more of Brett’s history. The two had met while she worked in a military hospital, where he was taken after his injury. He tells Robert that Brett’s true love had died, but that she is now engaged to marry a Scot named Mike Campbell.

Jake and Robert get into an argument over their discussion of Brett. Robert feels that Jake speaks poorly of her, and defends her honor. Jake senses that Robert may have developed a crush on Brett. When Robert angrily threatens to leave the lunch date, Jake smooths things over, and the meal continues. However, discussion of Brett is avoided. 

Analysis

Revealing more of Robert’s attraction to Brett not only thickens the plot, but provides a natural opportunity to reveal more of Brett’s background, and her history with Jake. 

Jake also notably tells Robert to disregard the nasty things that he says, yet, the reader can understand that insults and disparagement are Jake’s most honest expressions of how he feels. The irony is found in that Jake, the narrator, says one thing, while the reader is privy to the inner thoughts of Jake, which often contradict his quoted words.