How Old Are the Characters in The Sun Also Rises?

In Ernest Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises, the ages of the main characters are not explicitly stated, but we can infer their approximate ages through context and dialogue.

The protagonist, Jake Barnes, is likely in his late twenties to early thirties. He was part of the war, which places him in an age group that has experienced significant life events, including love and loss.

Similarly, Lady Brett Ashley, who is Jake’s love interest, appears to be in her late twenties. Her behavior and outlook on life reflect someone who is youthful but has also encountered the disillusionments of adulthood.

Other characters, such as Robert Cohn, are perceived to be around the same age as Jake and Brett, suggesting they are all part of the Lost Generation, seeking to find meaning in a post-war world.

This generational context, along with the characters’ interactions, reveals their struggles with identity, love, and the pursuit of happiness in their thirties, which resonates with the broader themes of the novel.

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