Jake and Cohn: Final Thoughts (And also talking about masculinity I guess?)
So, we've finished The Sun Also Rises, and I suppose it's time for my final blog post regarding it. I decently enjoyed reading this book and following the lives of the characters, but like many of my peers I found some of these characters' choices and actions questionable and/or mildly to wildly disagreeable. In this blog post I'm going to talk about how these actions made me view Jake and Cohn specifically, as well as give a summation of my final opinions of them.
Let's talk about the not-so-masculine, tough guy, super simp Jake. His character arc throughout the novel is almost a straight line, minus his loss of hope for a good life with Brett displayed at the very end. Jake presents himself as quiet and observing to the outside world, all the while hurling disparaging remarks about this, that, and the other inside his head for us to see. He can let out sharp remarks from time to time, but in the end only a fraction of what he keeps to himself. The reader can infer from short clues scattered in the first few chapters that Jake has sustained an injury in the general area of his genitalia, an injury that provides a stark contrast with his overly tough exterior, as well as an explanation to why he overcompensates and seems bitter all the time. When it comes to his views on other characters, he's indifferent about most, hates Cohn, has a soft spot for Brett, and loves (but not in a gay way) Bill. As I said before not much changes about Jake, but through his interactions with the other characters, we get to know him better and better as the story progresses. With Cohn, we can observe Jake getting incrementally more upset and jealous of a guy he views as beneath him, but who is at the same time topping Jake in the romantic and "masculine" areas.
Their relationship reveals a lot about both characters. First, we are shown just how deep Jakes bitterness and envy goes as he disparages Cohn every chance he gets, and inevitably swings on him. Jake quickly loses this fight, which reinforces his image as emasculated. Second, on Cohn's end, we see his short fuse and quick to violence nature. This altercation is somewhat satisfying, since the condescending ass that is Jake finally gets what's coming to him. Although at this point in the story, the vast majority of readers have also grown quite tired of clingy Cohn. I think their dynamic is an interesting balance: Jake is a man who has lost a part of what it means to be a man, and it's shown he can't fight too well either, something pretty essential to the classic idea of "masculinity." Through his shortcomings, Jake still manages to keep up a stoic, tough guy performance, another important aspect to this idea of "masculinity," while only letting it down briefly in front of people like Brett and Bill with whom he's very comfortable. Cohn on the other hand is like the exact opposite. Genitalia intact, Bill is also middleweight boxing champion. He possesses the two pieces Jake lacks. Conversely, Jake can maintain (for the most part) a cool and collected attitude, something that Cohn doesn't even slightly approach in the novel from start to finish. He lacks the stoic and performative piece.
I think the relationship between the two of them is and interesting balance, and it shows a sort of turmoil when these two opposite sides collide. Now, obviously these "masculine" values I've been talking about are traditional and close minded, but they definitely hold true in today's society. Being a guy feels like a performance a lot of the time, as we are generally taught not to expose our emotions, specifically the "softer" ones. The classic phrase "boys don't cry" comes readily to mind. You can't display weakness, and if someone wrongs you, you have to strike back at least two times as hard. There's an inherent competitive nature to life as a male, and Jake and Cohn's relationship shows that really well. Reading this book, and also writing this, I thought about my middle school experience. If you wanted to see the best examples of the elements I've been describing, a middle school would probably be the number one place to do so. It was always about being the top dog, whether that meant fighting with one another or flaming the hell out of someone who questioned you, it was pretty much constant turmoil. Especially when a girl was involved, the stakes would go up like 200% and emotions would rise to boiling point very quickly. All of what I'm describing is present in The Sun Also Rises, and I think since I lived through the same types of confrontations, the characters are that much more relatable.
(Btw sorry if this one's got grammatical issues or just generally less put together, my heads not really in it tonight. Might come back and edit later idk.)
I totally agree with your analysis of Cohn and Jake and Jake constantly trying to prove his masculinity not just to Brett, but especially to the other men in the book. It's almost like Jake and Cohn represent to different sides of masculinity- while Jake is quiet and keeps his feelings close to his chest (possibly a more modern masculinity), Cohn is noble and passionate in defending his "feelings" (what I would consider a more old-fashioned, chivalrous masculinity).
ReplyDeleteI really like this post, and now I'm imagining two guys trying to prove they're the most "masculine" while doing the most traditionally "unmasculine" things. Put them together and maybe you'll get one full "manly man" without all those insecurities lol. But yes I definitely agree that these two show a very interesting dynamic, as each seems to represent one of the major pillars of "masculinity" - that cold, sometimes cruel aloofness that Jake has, and the buff part of Cohn. In reality, both parts are all an act for the two of them. Jake's cold front is to protect himself and hide his insecurities, and Cohn became a boxer as a kind of way of protection as well. Yet, here they are, both viciously going after each other (the vicious part more from Jake) because of something that's all a front anyway.
ReplyDeleteYour descriptions of both Jake and Cohn are very accurate and detailed while still making great connections between the two characters. I think the pieces that one may have over the other is what makes their "relationship" an interesting discussion point throughout the course of the novel. We know they don't have the strongest connection or friendship to any degree, but especially when it comes to those little moments they share where, as you mention, the emotions may get high or things may escalate, we see how Jake and Cohn aren't incredibly bonded character to character but are bonded in the landscape of the entire story. I also like your descriptions of regular experiences for a guy. Of course there are gender roles for both men and women that screw them over, but as a guy as well, I can relate to what you're saying too.
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