CC BY
1
UDC 8.82
Saidivalieva B.S. associate professor Yuldasheva M.B. associate professor Rakhmonova Yu.Kh.
assistant PhD student Khalikova L.U. assistant
Department of Foreign Languages Tashkent State Transport University
FINDING LIGHT IN THE WASTELAND: A LOOK AT OPTIMISM IN HEMINGWAY'S "THE SUN ALSO RISES"
Abstract. Ernest Hemingway explored character delineation and various aspects of human existence through the protagonists of his novels. In his debut novel, "The Sun Also Rises, " Hemingway delves into the highs and lows of human existence, portraying a sense of emptiness and the futile nature of life. Throughout the narrative, Hemingway contrasts the weightiness of life's challenges with glimpses of optimism, suggesting that light can emerge even in the darkest moments. This research paper endeavors to validate Hemingway's philosophy of optimism and resilience.
Keywords: optimism, pessimism, resilience, The Sun Also Rises, Lost Generation, symbolism, futility of war.
As a celebrated American author, Hemingway crafted three seminal novels: "The Sun Also Rises, " "A Farewell to Arms, " and "The Old Man and the Sea, " each aiming to illuminate different facets of the human condition through its characters. "A Farewell to Arms" grapples with the futility of war, while "The Old Man and the Sea" depicts man's struggle against destiny. Despite emphasizing humanity's vulnerability to fate, Hemingway infuses his narratives with a glimmer of hope, as seen in the resilience of characters like the old man in "The Old Man and the Sea."
While Hemingway's early work, including "The Sun Also Rises, " may exhibit elements of pessimism, it also contains undertones of hope and illumination. Life, as depicted in Hemingway's novels, oscillates between hope and despair. While individuals often anticipate positive outcomes, unexpected events can lead to disillusionment. However, amidst gloominess, hope remains the driving force, as illustrated by T.S. Eliot in his poem "The Waste Land, " where he underscores the importance of love and support in navigating life's challenges [3].
Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises deals with the themes of optimism and pessimism. In the title, 'The Sun' signifies 'hope' and 'Also Rises' denotes ups and down of man's life.
The novel's title is derived from a passage in the Bible, where Hemingway quotes: "One generation passed away, and another generation cometh; but the earth abided forever" [5]. Hemingway reflects on the cyclical nature of life, drawing parallels to the passage's imagery of the sun rising and setting, the wind's continuous movement, and the perpetual flow of rivers into the sea. He appears to lament the loss of one generation while welcoming the arrival of the next. Hemingway embraces the philosophy that each day brings new opportunities, emphasizing the impermanence of success, failure, joy, and sorrow. He suggests that man often dwells on the past or worries about the future, which leads to unhappiness. This sentiment echoes the words of Omar Khayyam, a Persian poet, in his collection of verses, "The Rubaiyat" writes [2]: Ah, fill the cup: - what boots it to repeat How time is slipping underneath our feet: Unborn To-morrow and dead yesterday, Why fret about them if To-day be sweet!
In the above verse, Khayyam appears to advocate for the philosophy of "Carpe Diem" or "Seize the Day." He suggests that individuals should not fret about the future or dwell on the past but instead focus on enjoying the present moment.
Published in 1926, Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" depicts the journey of American and British expatriates from Paris to the festival in Pamplona to witness the running of the bulls and bullfights. The protagonist, Jake Barnes, is portrayed as unable to engage in sexual relations due to a war injury, while Lady Brett Ashley, an expatriate American journalist living in Paris, is depicted as having numerous romantic entanglements with men [3].
The novel is divided into three books. Book I delves into the relationships between Jake, Robert Cohn, and a prostitute. Book II follows Jake's experiences alongside his friend Bill Gorton, and the third book explores the aftermath of the festival. Through the imagery of empty barges, Hemingway portrays a sense of emptiness in "The Sun Also Rises."
Brett was absent from the bar, so I searched for her upstairs before leaving and then hailed a taxi for Café Select. While crossing the Seine, I observed a line of empty barges being towed downstream, their bargemen laboring at the oars as they approached the bridge [6].
Throughout the novel, the emptiness of human existence is depicted through various elements. The characters' struggles mirror those of ordinary people, highlighting the inherent futility of life.
In chapter 16, this theme of emptiness is reiterated. As he sat across from her at the table, he noticed her gaze and decided to leave. The indifferent patrons at the bullfighter table watched his departure with cold eyes. Upon returning
twenty minutes later, Brett and Pedro Romero had vanished. The lingering remnants of their presence remained in the form of empty coffee and cognac glasses, which a waiter promptly cleared away with a cloth (Shams, p. 29).
Brett and Pedro are drawn closer to each other, yet the sight of empty glasses serves as a stark reminder of the emptiness inherent in human life. However, as the narrative unfolds, glimpses of happiness, growth, and abundance emerge. The setting of freedom and merriment is associated with fishing in the Irati river in Spain.
During our five-day stay in Burguete, we enjoyed fruitful fishing expeditions. The nights were chilly and the days scorching, but a constant breeze provided relief even in the heat. The warmth was enough to make wading in the cold stream refreshing, and the sun quickly dried us off upon emerging to rest on the riverbank. Discovering a deep pool suitable for evening swims, we also engaged in friendly games of three-handed bridge with an Englishman named Harris, who had journeyed from Saint Jean Pied de Port for the fishing. He gladly accompanied us twice to the Irati river [3].
The contrast between the cold nights, symbolizing happiness, and the hot days, signifying human sadness, suggests a multitude of opportunities for progression in life. The river thus becomes a symbol of hope and contentment.
Hemingway vividly depicts the joyous celebrations of the Basque peasants, characterized by their raw energy and vitality [7]:
"As people converged on the square from all directions, the sounds of horns, pipes, fifes, and drums filled the air. They played the riau-riau music, the piercing sound of pipes and the rhythmic beat of drums, followed by men and boys dancing. When the music paused, they crouched down in the street, only to spring back up in jubilant dance as the music resumed. In the throng, all one could see were the heads and shoulders of the dancers bobbing up and down" [1].
Musical instruments symbolize the joy experienced by ordinary people, with true happiness found in meaningful labor. Music consistently brings pleasure and serves to alleviate the stress experienced by individuals, offering a means to overcome unhappiness.
Conclusion
Hemingway endeavors to portray the dualities of happiness and sadness inherent in human existence. It is important to focus on the positive aspects of life, as positivity fosters fulfillment and provides guidance. Embracing both joy and sorrow is essential for personal growth and advancement. No one remains mired in darkness indefinitely, as perseverance enables individuals to overcome adversity. The fluctuations experienced by Hemingway's characters reflect the alternating cycles of darkness and light in human life. Despite the challenges, there is always a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook during difficult times.
References:
1. Hemingway, Ernest, The Sun Also Rises, Penguin publication, New Delhi, 1974, p.3.
2. Allovidinovna, I. D. (2022). Opening Khayyam in England. Academicia Globe: Inderscience Research, 3(04), 17-23.
3. Larson, K.A. (2020). Current Bibliography. The Hemingway Review 39(2), 122-133. https://doi.org/10.1353/hem.2020.0004.
4. Rakhmonova Yulduz Khusanovana (2024). The Sun Also Rises: A Literary Exploration of Hemingway's Masterpiece. Innovative Technologies in Construction Scientific Journal, 6(1), 43-48. https://inntechcon.uz/index.php/current/article/view/195
5. Rakhmonova, Y. K. (2024). The Complexity of Translating Hemingway's Simplicity: Chiastic Patterns in The Sun Also Rises. World of Scientific news in Science, 2(2), 701-709.
6. Rasulova, Z. (2022). Translation Concepts in The Context of Modern Linguistic Research. International Bulletin of Applied Science and Technology, 2(11), 161-165.
7. Solanki, D. M. K. M. B. (2020). Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises: An Image of Optimism and Light. Smart Moves Journal IJELLH, 8(3), 6. https://doi.org/10.24113/ijellh.v8i3.10453
