Is Hemingway a Racist? Analysis of THE SUN ALSO RISES
Throughout Hemingway's life, he was accused of many ethnic prejudices. Even in death, these allegations still plague his novels. Hemingway is seen by many to be the epitome of white male oppression. His novel, The Sun Also Rises, is argued to be filled with many anti-Semitic qualities. However, when analyzed more closely, many can argue that Hemingway's usage of racial terms allows us to more effectively understand a character and his actions.
Robert Cohn is a perfect example of Hemingway's usage of this technique. Robert Cohn is thought to be a "foolish" Jew. The fact that Cohn is Jewish, does not make him foolish; instead, it provides an understanding of Cohn and allows us to relate to his character. During this time, a young Jewish male had to deal with many insecurities. Hemingway mentions that Cohn was a boxer, but cared nothing for the sport: "He cared nothing for boxing, in fact he disliked it, but he learned it painfully and thoroughly to counteract the feeling of inferiority and shyness felt on being treated as a Jew at Princeton" (Hemingway 11). Hemingway is not completely an anti-Semitic author, but he used societies convictions and interpreted them into his character's actions.
All of Hemingway's characters are anti-Semitics in one aspect or another. They all condemn Robert Cohn at some point in the novel; Bill even refers to the catholic religion as a cult. Many critics feel that all these characters are just mere reflections into the mind of Hemingway. Was Hemingway himself anti-Semitic, racist or homophobic? Living during these times, I believe that everyone was. Society was not very accepting of many diversities; Hemingway wrote what people thought, that is why he became such a popular author so fast.
When viewed through the eyes of critics today, The Sun Also Rises brings about a myriad of controversies. The novel fit the mood and the attitude of the 1920's. If this novel were to be published in the politically correct society of today, the novel surely would have faced many controversies and probably would have been banned for bigotry. However, it is a perfect learning tool in the aide of understanding life during this time frame. This book should not ever be banned, because it is perfectly constructed novel that shows the essence of Hemingway's writing. There should however be age restrictions on when this book is introduced into the learning environment....