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Definition of Simile
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like" or "as," but can also... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often use the connecting words "like... read full definition
A simile is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things. To make the comparison, similes most often... read full definition
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—Bullfighting as War :
In The Sun Also Rises, bullfighting comes to represent the brutality and violence of war. From the fireworks of the fiesta exploding like mortar shells to the actual strategy and bloodshed of the fights, Hemingway uses bullfighting as a way to mine the characters' experiences in the war. This comparison is set up in Chapter 10:
"Oh, forget about it," Robert Cohn said. "Let's bet on something else. Can you bet on bull-fights?"
"You could," Bill said, "but you don't need to."
"It would be like betting on the war," I said. “You don’t need any economic interest.”
Chapter 13
Explanation and Analysis—Boxing and Bull-Fighting:
In The Sun Also Rises, bullfighting is not just bullfighting. Over the course of the novel, Hemingway makes it increasingly clear that bullfighting represents many inevitable parts of the human condition—from the violence of war to male sexuality. In Chapter 13, he uses a simile to make such comparisons:
Unlock with LitCharts A+"My God, isn't he beautiful?" Brett said. We were looking right down on him.
"Look how he knows how to use his horns," I said. "He's got a left and a right just like a boxer."
Explanation and Analysis—Cohn the Steer:
In Chapter 13, Mike excoriates Robert for still being in love with Brett despite their engagement and her obvious disinterest. As he lashes out, he compares Cohn to a steer:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Why do you follow Brett around like a poor bloody steer? Don't you know you're not wanted? I know when I'm not wanted. Why don't you know when you're not wanted? You came down to San Sebastián where you weren't wanted, and followed Brett around like a bloody steer. Do you think that's right?
Related Themes:
Chapter 18
Explanation and Analysis—Bullfight Lullabies:
Some of the most vivid narration in The Sun Also Rises comes about at the bullfights in Pamplona. In Chapter 18, as Romero faces a bull, Hemingway uses similes to compare Romero's cape and his graceful movements to nonviolent, lullingly peaceful things:
Unlock with LitCharts A+The dampened, mud-weighted cape swung open and full as a sail fills[...]
It was all so slow and so controlled. It was as though he were rocking the bull to sleep.
