The Sun Also Rises #1

Although I am not a novelist nor a writer, it is my understanding 

that it is common practice for authors to place themselves in their

writing. Whether this is in the abstract form of subtle hints in poetry or direct carbon copies of ones self into the characters of a novel. 

Upon beginning to read The Itinerary by John Atherton, Hemingway's Jake is immediately exposed as a man who has done it all, seen it all, and rightfully acts in such manner. By starting off this class reading Hemingway's memoirs, it allowed me an obtuse angle of insight into the man behind The Sun Also Rises. While unconsciously wielding that information, this short essay by Atherton has made something quite clear. 

There is no doubt that Hemingway has placed his own ideals into Jake. Jake, the seasoned, well roasted and prepared man that has answers that others don't. Hemingway ran from the States to escape a world that he no longer related to. He chose live a life of lush poverty and write stories, which captivated others while solidifying his prestige. 

Having been his first novel, Hemingway undoubtedly felt that he must break out from the pack, and as any self centered person might, he came to the conclusion that it was his own character traits, which would make Jake the most prominent of all.

To dive more intimately into the text, there is a specific event I would like to capitalize on. On page 203 of The Itinerary, Atherton quotes from the book. 

In the one extended scene in Jake's apartment( chapter 7), the count's presence tends to "deintimatize" the setting; he transforms Jake's private space into a public bistro by orderingh is chauffeur to bring on the champagne.

The character of the Count appears to be one of mystery and I find it pressing to understand his relationship with Brett. She mentions to Jake the Count's admiration of her and asks if Jake thinks he should be sent away. It appears and is confirmed that the Count is rather fond of Brett, but does he feel like a father figure? He leaves the two alone as he goes to fetch champagne. To any man courting a women, this can be seen as an egregious mistake. Placing my bets on the Count's intelligence, his actions must only be explained by assuming that he feels like a fatherly figure. Or, he sees Jake as merely a dear friend, incapable of altering Brett's desires. If this is so, then what might be the motivation behind this comment? 

"You are very nice people, he said. . . " "Why don't you get married, you two?" p50

In attempting to conclude my hypothesis of the Count, I feel as though I am unable to do so. I am torn between the two roads. Left, he is merely acting as a father figure, or right, he feels as though Jake is inferior. 

"Equal" in Paris

While heading into these readings with knowledge I have newly obtain in class, it lends itself well to picking apart these essays and building an understanding of the James Baldwin's 'perspective' on expatriates. 

In James Baldwin in Paris: Exile Multiculturalism and the Public Intellectual by Lloyd Kramer, Kramer begins the essay with an introduction to the parallel movement of creatives from Europe to America and America to Europe. Much spoken about in our class discussions, The Lost Generation of Paris had a tremendous impact on the art world. So much so that they even have classes today that only cover their works. However, The Lost Generation represented only a fraction of a fraction of the American population, with individuals who were primarily male and white. 

Unbeknownst to myself, there was another so called Lost Generation of expats who lefts the states in order to flee persecution. Kramer states that during the times of the Cold War, many African American's left for Paris,approximately 500, which greatly outnumbers the previous generation of lost individuals. 

Later on this essay, Kramer writes of the "hybridity" of America as opposed to the "melting pot," which many Americans, including myself view our Country. By using the logic behind the term hybridity, it explains how American's and Britons are able to claim such creatives for themselves. Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and John Dos Passos are in no way, to the general American public considered to be French writers. We claim them for ourselves, yet much of their creative years were spent as expatriates of The United States, trying to flee the troubles of a post Great War era. 

Moving on to the writings by James Baldwin, Equal in Paris starts with a wonderful scene in a cafe where Baldwin is sitting down, successfully avoiding the atmosphere of his hotel. While he is sitting, a man from back home recognizes him. Entirely understandable, they quickly act as though they are great friends, as Baldwin mentions, happening upon an acquaintance in a far away land makes for fast friends. In the first moments of their conversation, the traveler describes his horrible hotel, the untrustworthy owner and the whore of a wife. Baldwin comments on the absurdity of his claims and fails to even consider the possibility that his claims lay true. It is in this first interaction between the two that I am able to see Baldwin's perspective on the French as well as his idea of the American. 

Baldwin moved from Harlem to Paris in order to escape the impossible choice between battling racism in the States or ending up like his Stepfather, who slowly, or quickly, fell into a mental and physical state of disrepair. However, as Baldwin struggled to cram his way into French society, the struggles seem to be endless and as most problems, revolve around money. It appears that was stuck between two classes of people, which greatly limited those he could call acquaintances. 

In the last and final short essay of this week, Langston Hughes writes about his first day in Paris. Immediately Hughes is overjoyed and overwhelmed by his surroundings. He ends up in Louvre and after a visit, he is hungry and tired. He also feels lonely. As a newly crowned expat, it interesting, but unsurprising that the first people he seeks help from are American's, but also black. Unbeknownst to me, I can surmise that Hughes reasons for departing the States are similar to Baldwins. If that is the case, then it seems quite ironic that Hughes may fall back into his ways instead of starting Fresh in Paris. I know from my own experiences in Paris that when I see someone or a group of people that are Americans, and for purposes of this article, also white, I tend to shy away from them. I came to France for a different experience and although I am a frustrated creative fleeing from the confines of the American institution, I still find myself unable to understand the difficulties that such creatives as Hughes and Baldwin faced.  ((DRAFT))

Fitzgerald - The Ultimate Expat

After solely focusing on Hemingway and writers alike it was quite interesting to read Fitzgerald. I have read very little of his work in the past and I was surprised when I read the except Babylon Revisited.

I could not help myself, but compare Hemingway to Fitzgerald. This was quite easy of course. I had grown accustom to Hemingway's blasé narratives that required little attention to comprehend. 

The except is filled with emotion and I enjoyed the brevity of the writing. I was able to enter into the narrative of Charlie without much trouble and in less than 10 pages I felt engrossed. 

Something else worth noting is the difference in descriptive words used when speaking about Paris. As Charlie walks along the quay he takes note of the light and the observation feels organic. The though process behind Charlie feels more relatable than Hemingway. 

Taking a quick break from the comparisons of authors, the expat in Paris appears again in writing. The topic of Americans in Paris surfaces briefly in the story and sheds light on what it is to be an expat in Paris. It seemed from short snippets of dialog that the expats in this except were troubled when in the presence of other Americans and felt at piece when they were among the French. It must be a curious world to live between two societies. After living in Paris for 4 months, I continue to feel like an outsider, which is primarily due to the language barrier. However, I hear stories of partially fluent Americans who speak in French, but are answered in English. As an expat, one must feel alone, which of course explains their desire to mingle with their own kind. 

Lastly, there was a key difference between the writings of Hemingway and Fitzgerald. In Babylon Revisited the topic of expatriates was far less highlighted. It felt more like an undertone in the story rather than the topic.