The Sun Also Rises Chapter 1 Flashcards

Characters and Relationships

• Jake Barnes reflects on Robert Cohn’s boxing history, influenced by his aggressive nature and physical traits, like a smashed-in nose and a scar.
• Cohn is driven to Europe partly due to his girlfriend's encouragement, suggesting pressures from romantic relationships.
• Jake's perception of Cohn is bemused, indicating a mix of amusement and detachment rather than jealousy or disapproval.

Cohn's Activities and Characteristics

• In Paris, Cohn engaged in various pursuits, including boxing, writing a novel, playing tennis, and reading. However, he did not have multiple love affairs simultaneously.
• Cohn is depicted as rich, peaceable, literary, and athletic but not joyous, illustrating a complex character with deeper emotional struggles.
• Financially, Cohn appears to have spent considerable sums supporting out-of-work friends, showcasing his generosity or perhaps a misguided sense of responsibility.

Plans and Dynamics

• Jake and Cohn contemplate a hiking trip, highlighting their companionship despite underlying tensions.
• Initially, Jake has mixed feelings about Cohn, expressing a fondness but also viewing him as someone who showcases his achievements, suggesting a critical yet supportive friendship.
• Frances, Cohn's girlfriend, is characterized as domineering, setting the stage for potential conflict in their relationship dynamics.

Test your knowledge of Chapter 1 of 'The Sun Also Rises' through these flashcards. Explore key details about Robert Cohn and his character traits as introduced by Hemingway. It's a helpful tool for understanding the early dynamics of the novel.