The Significance of a Religious Pilgrimage in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises

Location

Room 2904 A

Session Format

Paper Presentation

Research Area Topic:

Humanities & Social Sciences - Literature & Philosophy

Co-Presenters and Faculty Mentors or Advisors

Dr. Olivia Carr Edenfield - Faculty Advisor

Abstract

The Significance of a Religious Pilgrimage in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises

The Sun Also Rises is a novel rich with elements of Catholicism, which are woven into Jake Barnes’ pilgrimage. These religious connections are often acknowledged, but not fully discussed in recent research. Deserving more critical attention are the saints and pilgrimage destinations identified within the text and the role each plays in providing clarity and understanding as Jake resolves his relationship with his greatest spiritual and emotional adversary, Brett Ashley. Many scholars are in agreement that Jake’s pilgrimage begins with desire for understanding and meaning, climaxes at the bullfight, and ultimately resolves in a spiritual rebirth at San Sebastian, but none have explored the connection to St. Peter, an iconic figure who has been overlooked with regard to the pilgrimage. Most specifically this essay will explore more completely the connection Jake makes to St. Peter, the patron saint of fishing. Though name and pilgrimage destination are not revealed, the dates and feast days associated with St. Peter make him a significant religious figure in the novel. The sparse timeline places Jake at the beginning of his fishing trip on St. Peter’s Feast Day, June 29th. Also the character comparison between Peter the Apostle and Pedro Romero is striking, both standing at the moral center of The Sun Also Rises. Both men exhibit tremendous strength of character, overcome their weaknesses, and become powerful, passionate, and moral men. My exploration of these iconic figures, symbols, and experiences will provide a deeper religious understanding of Jake Barnes, and by extension, the significance of the religious pilgrimage.

Keywords

Ernest Hemingway, Pilgrimage, Catholicism, St. Peter

Presentation Type and Release Option

Presentation (Open Access)

Start Date

4-24-2015 1:30 PM

End Date

4-24-2015 2:30 PM

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Apr 24th, 1:30 PM Apr 24th, 2:30 PM

The Significance of a Religious Pilgrimage in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises

Room 2904 A

The Significance of a Religious Pilgrimage in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises

The Sun Also Rises is a novel rich with elements of Catholicism, which are woven into Jake Barnes’ pilgrimage. These religious connections are often acknowledged, but not fully discussed in recent research. Deserving more critical attention are the saints and pilgrimage destinations identified within the text and the role each plays in providing clarity and understanding as Jake resolves his relationship with his greatest spiritual and emotional adversary, Brett Ashley. Many scholars are in agreement that Jake’s pilgrimage begins with desire for understanding and meaning, climaxes at the bullfight, and ultimately resolves in a spiritual rebirth at San Sebastian, but none have explored the connection to St. Peter, an iconic figure who has been overlooked with regard to the pilgrimage. Most specifically this essay will explore more completely the connection Jake makes to St. Peter, the patron saint of fishing. Though name and pilgrimage destination are not revealed, the dates and feast days associated with St. Peter make him a significant religious figure in the novel. The sparse timeline places Jake at the beginning of his fishing trip on St. Peter’s Feast Day, June 29th. Also the character comparison between Peter the Apostle and Pedro Romero is striking, both standing at the moral center of The Sun Also Rises. Both men exhibit tremendous strength of character, overcome their weaknesses, and become powerful, passionate, and moral men. My exploration of these iconic figures, symbols, and experiences will provide a deeper religious understanding of Jake Barnes, and by extension, the significance of the religious pilgrimage.