The Sun Also Rises
In 1920s Paris, war-wounded Jake Barnes reunites with captivating Brett Ashley, but their love is thwarted. Seeking escape, they join a restless group in Spain for a festival, only to find their old wounds and desires resurface.
Café Select (Montparnasse)
Paris, France
A popular hangout for the ex-pat community, the Select reflects the characters' aimless routines and heavy drinking. Here, they drown their sorrows in alcohol, engage in casual flings, and avoid confronting their deeper issues.
"We sat at a table on the terrace of the Select. Brett was sitting opposite me and Cohn was next to her. The awning flapped in the wind and the waiters went by carrying trays. Cohn looked across at me and said: 'Isn't it funny?'"
Chapter 1
Hotel Ritz (Right Bank)
Paris, France
Staying at the luxurious Ritz, Brett represents a life of comfort and stability that some characters yearn for. The hotel stands in stark contrast to the bohemian cafes of the Left Bank, highlighting the characters' social and financial disparities.
"'We walked up the Rue Cambon and across the Place de la Concorde to the Ritz,' Brett said. 'Isn't it a grand sight?' I looked across the square at the long line of cars and the green trees in the Tuileries Gardens. It was a fine fall day."
Chapter 1
Les Deux Magots
Paris, France
This iconic cafe is a constant backdrop for the characters' conversations and disillusionment. Here, they discuss their relationships and search for meaning in a post-war world. In Chapter 2, for example, Jake and Brett discuss their complicated past and the limitations imposed by Jake's injury.
"We went out and sat at a table at Les Deux Magots. It was not crowded and quiet. Brett sat opposite me and we looked across at the other tables with their round green-checked cloths."
Chapter 2
La Closerie des Lilas
Paris, France
Hemingway's favorite cafe, La Closerie is referenced throughout the novel, likely a place where the characters spend more time than explicitly shown. It represents a haven for creative pursuits, potentially offering an alternative to the aimlessness of the other cafes. While not explicitly mentioned in the novel, Hemingway was known to frequent La Closerie for writing, suggesting it might have been a more focused and productive space for the characters.
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