Au Revoir!!

There are two final points I want to make in Chapter 19:

"She looked away I thought she was looking for another ciarette. Then I saw she was crying. I could feel her crying. Shaking and crying. She wouldn't look up. I put my arms around her," (page 246).

Aha! So Brett finally fell in love this time. It sucks when you are the one getting hurt, doesn't it Lady Ashley? I think I finally figured her out. The woman may seem confident in the way she walks, talks, and acts, but I think she feels completely unworthy. She never stays with men that she truly cares about (Jake and Romero) because in her opinion they deserve better than someone like herself. And when she realized how she truly felt about Romero, she sent him off. Although she is only a character in a book, I think Brett symbolizes women in all parts of the world. I know that in high school, many girls who do not carry self respect, give themselves to people who do not respect them, either. They get called all sorts of names, and many times people think they deserve what the way they are treated when the reasoning behind their promiscuous appearance is their lack of self-esteem.

THE LAST LINE OF THE BOOK IS RIDICULOUS!!!! Honestly, Hemingway, how could you end it with a line like that?? Your entire audience has been waiting for something to spark between Jake and Brett the entire novel and you never let it play out! Other than the love interests in the story, I thought the book was rather boring. Nothing really caught my attention until around Chapter 13. Maybe it is because I like the whole fighting-for-the-one-you-love-thing, but I have higher hopes for The Things They Carried. Maybe we'll get to see blood and death or something more attention-grabbing than bull fighting.

That's all folks! Finally.

Home Sweet Home!

"I hated to leave France. Life was so simple in France. I felt I was a fool to be going back into Spain. In Spain you could not tell about anything," (page 237).

Okay, now Hemingway decides he wants to portray a fondness of France. He needs to make up his dang mind! Towards the start of the story, I noticed all of the cynicism and negativity based on life in France. Everyone wanted to leave, get out, and see the world. I take that back; mostly everyone wanted to leave except for Jake. He never expressed any apathy towards France and the people there, so it is understandable that now that he has returned he does not want to leave.

"COULD YOU COME HOTEL MONTANA MADRID AM RATHER IN TROUBLE BRETT," (page 242).

This chick is really making me consider pulling my hair out. Why in the world does she have to be so selfish!? Literally, every little bit of drama in this story is based around her and making sure she gets what she wants. Jake finally gets some alone time and she has to ruin it for him. Another thing I do not understand is why everyone GIVES her what she wants. I am sure she's hot, but seriously guys, take off the leash and find someone else.

Eat, Drink, Sleep, Repeat.

"All the bags were opened and clothing was strewn around. There were empty bottles beside the bed. Mike lay on the bed looking like a death mask of himself. He opened his eyes and looked at me," (page 214).

Alright, now I am confused on Brett and Mike's relationship. They are "supposed" to be getting married, so does that make them engaged? I don't understand why Mike would let her walk all over him and sleep with several guys when she is well aware that she has promised a future to Mike. None of these people seem to hold value to their word and relationships with anyone. Troubles with morality and values are repetitive in the novel, making it the theme by giving insight about human life revealed throughout the book. They're immoral lifestyle is tiring, and I'm just the reader. Eat, drink, sleep, repeat. How do they feel alive when they spend more of their time oblivious to the world then they do aware of their surroundings? They can use the excuse of a fiesta all the want, but their routine was the same when they were in Paris, too.

Coping with Loss

As we learned in the very first chapter of the novel, Robert Cohn views himself as inadequate and incomplete. He never found enjoyment in boxing and always settled for women that settled for him. He has never particularly chased after a dream or wooed a lady he desired. However, Lady Brett Ashley transformed Robert Cohn from a self-concious pushover into a passionate lover, and he is having a difficult time dealing with rejection in chapter 17.

"I felt so terribly. I've been through such hell, Jake. Now everything's gone. Everything," (page 198).

There have been numerous times in my life where I have had to deal with loss and change. Whether it be with losing a family member or gaining a family member, losing a house or gaining a house, loss and change tie in perfectly to create the ultimate hardship. I can understand where Robert Cohn is coming from in this chapter. He never liked boxing in the first place; yet, in chapter seventeen he repeatedly beats atleast three people. It is amazing how sadness, anger, and frustration can bring out the worst in someone. We no longer see Cohn as a quiet, sober man and it surprised me how he took initiative with every confrontation he had. Before, I stated that I think Robert Cohn was a round character, but I also would label him as a dynamic character in the story as well. The changes he has made in his personality from the beginning to the end of the story are significant. I find myself more open to Cohn now, than I have been prior to this chapter.

P.S. My predictions were correct! Faces were punched and people were told off! :)

JUST LET ME VENT!!

The Sun Also Rises is full of game players!! It never ends, I swear! First, in Chapter 16, Mike throws another tantrum and embarrasses Cohn for the fourth of fifth time on their trip to Spain. I am slowly growing more and more annoyed of Mike. How about he just punches Cohn and gets it over with, so then this whole threatening/humiliating routine will be over with already. What really has been bothering me is how nonchalant Brett is with the ordeal. If she did not want Cohn to get the wrong idea, she should not have slept with him in the first place. And since she is annoyed that Cohn follows her around like a puppy dog, why doesn't she tell him to STOP for crying out loud?! They frequently announce how bad Cohn is behaving, which I admit he is, but there has to be some sort of motivation behind it. And now that Mike prances off with a random lady he meets when he just got done crying about how difficult it is to see Brett with another man, Brett leaves again with Pedro Romero! Mike is a jerk; Brett is a whore. Excuse me for my vulgar term, but it is true. "I've always done just what I wanted," [Brett] (page 188). See! The two of them should not be together. The only two laid back characters in the book that seem to have a sense of decency and respect are Bill and Jake. It confuses me as to why they hang out with this group of people, especially when Jake is in love with Brett and tired of Cohn. Another thing that confuses me is where exactly this book is leading. The storyline is random, there seems to be no point, and I cannot put my finger on the climax. At first, I thought it was chapter thirteen, but now I might have to change my mind and say it is chapter sixteen. SOMEBODY HELP ME OUT!

Labels!

From the very commencement of the book, I have been debating on what character holds what position in the story, and how their personality changes throughout the story. I never wanted to put anything in writing because I wanted to be sure of where I stand on each individual. I think I have got some of them down! Here it goes:

• Static Character- Okay, in my opinion, Michael is a static character in TSAR. For the most part, he is an arrogant, sarcastic, jerk. He keeps me entertained, but he never knows when to stop, often leading to conflict between him and Cohn. For example, "Let up on that Mike I was sorry I said it...Oh shove it along, Michael," (page 170). Mike does not change much throughout the story, in part I think it is because he's got the girl. But who knows, things can change.
• Flat Character- I may have said this before, but I will say it again. Brett is the flat character in the novel, no doubt about it. She's amusing, but only because she's a flirt. The reader can easily sum up her few personality traits into one phrase. What I find interesting is how everyone desires Brett to be their own; although, there is not much depth to her. If you ask me, she seems like every other typical high school girl. But don't let my bitterness fool you; I am quite fond of Brett.
• Round Character- At the beginning of the book I probably would not have said so, but up to this point I would say that Robert Cohn is a round character. At first he seemed boring and one-dimensional; on the other hand, seeing his reaction to criticism from Mike and Frances revealed a less conceited side to his personality. Sure, he wants the girl and goes after what he wants, but he is also embarrassed by the fact that she is dragging him along. I kind of felt myself feeling sympathy for Cohn in chapter 15. I'm sure it gets tiring being the butt of everyone's jokes.

MORE TO COME :)

Let's Make a Trade

"You gave up something and got something else. Or you worked for something. You paid some way for everything that was any good...Enjoying living was learning to get your money's worth and knowing when you had it. You could get your money's worth," (page 153).

Often times we are led to believe that the best things in life come free. Maybe that's true in some cases- laughter, for instance. But even then, we all suffer a stomach cramp or wet pants, right? I can see where Jake is coming from in this chapter of the book. Successes and rewards feel so much more valuable and enjoyable when you know you worked your butt off to receive them. Sure, free money is awesome. I love when my grandpa hands me a twenty for no reason at all. But free money is more freely spent. Think about it. When you've put in hard hours to earn the money you have, you want to hold onto it and save it for something worthy and deserving of your effort. However, when it's mom's credit card, who cares because it is not your own money being spent. The same thing can be said about school work. It feels amazing to receive an A+ on a paper you have been editing and re-editing for weeks. But receiving an A+ on a test you cheated on is not something you remember months down the road. What about love? You work hard every day to show the person you are affectionate about how much you care. That is why it hurts like hell when it doesn't work out. You GIVE your whole heart to someone, and the outcome is in their hands. How about your faith? Now that is really hard work. You sit and contemplate what to believe and who to believe in, attend church with the sometimes SUPER boring scripture readings, and you pray long and hard for God to stand by you through a difficult time. However, in the end, it is worth every second you spend dedicated to figuring it all out. For every hardship there is a benefit; it is up to us to find them.

Life in a Box...Don't Let Society Fool You

Alright, Chapter 13 continued...(hang in there)

"When the next bull came out, all three, the two bulls and the steer, stood together, their heads side by side, their horns against the newcomer. In a few minutes the steer picked the new bull up, quieted him down, and made him one of the herd. When the last two bulls had been unloaded the herd were all together," (page 145).

Totally genius and completely relevant! Take a moment to think about it. When one is born, three or four people are there to greet him/her. A nurse takes the baby, quiets him/her down, and hands him/her off to it's mother so she can make him/her a part of the family. When the child enters school, the teachers take him/her, train and teach him/her the rules, and make him/her a part of their class. The same thing can be said for a job and life in the real world. In all honesty, it can basically be said for everything. We live by society's rules which puts us in a box and conforms us to abide by the laws we have been raised to follow. If not, then we are alone, making us the dangerous one. The violent one, exactly like the lone bull in the book. How unfair is that? I mean, how are we supposed to "follow our heart" and "seek individuality" if we are hindered by everyone and everything surrounding us? It is a joke.


Okay...now on to point # 2

"Why don't you say something, Robert? Don't sit there looking like a bloody funeral. What if Brett did sleep with you? She's slept with lots of better people than you," (page 146).

Ouch! As I have mentioned earlier, I am not a big fan of Robert Cohn; however, it takes someone gutsy to say something like that to a middleweight boxing champion. I cannot decide if I feel bad for Robert in this scene or not; he definitely deserved to be put in place, but Michael almost took it too far. I understand he had been drinking and it was all said in the heat of the moment, but he should have atleast let Robert leave with his private parts. Jeez! I will admit that before this part of the chapter, I was beginning to fall asleep. The intense fight caught my attention, though! I knew there was going to be tension on the trip, I was just waiting for something or someone to spark the fire!

And now point #3...

"He calls her Circe...He claims she turns men into swine. Damn good. I wish I were one of these literary chaps," (page 148).

I could not use any better way to describe Brett. Although she is promiscuous and sort of shallow, I still like her. She makes the book interesting, keeps the drama coming, and knows her way with the men. Oh yeah! This quote is also an allusion. "Circe was skilled in the magic of metamorphosis, the power of illusion, and the dark art of necromancy. When Odysseus landed on her island, she transformed his men into animals," (http://www.theoi.com/Titan/Kirke.html).

Passionate about Syntax

Okay, chapter thirteen is decently long and contains many points I want to address, so excuse me if these next two blogs seem random and jumpy! :)

"Aficion means passion. An aficionado is one who is passionate about the bull-fights. All the good bull-fighters stayed at Montoya's hotel; that is, those with aficion stayed there," (page 136).

Hemmingway completely read my mind on page 136. There was all of this talk about aficionado, and quite honestly I was not sure what he was referring to. I have heard of the word before, and I'm assuming it has been a previous vocabulary word at one point in time or another, but providing the definition was genius! It made understanding the rest of the chapter easier. Actually, I was surprised Hemmingway was so straightforward. Most of TSAR is kind of cloudy, and requires some knowledge on French culture.

"'How did you go bankrupt?' ...'Two ways, Gradually and then suddenly,''' (page 141).

I absolutely adore this quote. It is another perfect example of how timeless this novel is, and relates to modern day life. Last year, when the economy took a swift blow to the stomach, I remember my mom informing me of how we needed to save our money and where we were going to cut expenses. It not only hurt my family, but many of my friends' families, too. At first, the downfall did not make much of a difference in our every day lives, but after a little time passed, it made a huge impact. Many of my close friends had to transfer schools due to payments, vacations were no longer a luxury, and eating out was very rarely an option. I think Hemmingway includes lines like this to find a short, simple way to describe a disaster. The way he words these bold phrases makes the tragedy seem less painful and easier to talk about. Which would be the syntax, correct? Very rarely does he use long and complex sentences, unless he is describing the setting. Which makes perfect sense, actually. I mean, the characters' reactions to Paris are never exciting or enthusiastic; furthermore, Hemmingway uses lengthy and boring sentences to inform the reader of the surroundings.

WHOA DREAM BIG!

"I don't think I dreamt."
" 'You ought to dream,' Bill said. 'All our biggest business men have been dreamers. Look at Ford. Look at President Coolidge. Look at Rockefeller. Look at Jo Davidson," (page 129).

I might be going on a long shot here, but to me, this sentence is a perfect example of verbal irony. Bill did not say it in a sarcastic or demeaning manner; he was providing Jake with advice. Pretty good advice if you ask me. At first, he was talking about the literal dream he had the night before, but then turned the statement around into something bigger and powerful.

This is one of my favorite quotes out of the book. Although Bill rants about nonsense majority of the time, some of what he says really has depth to it. I'm a firm believer in having big dreams, even if they are too big to be reasonable. The best advice I have ever received is this: "If the worst they can do is say no, you really have nothing to be scared of. Go for it." Which is true, in so many ways. Applying for colleges in the fall really scares the life out of me, especially when I am clueless as to where I want to go or where I belong. Most of time I am hindered by fear of failure, and it's a terrible philosophy to live by. There are so many things I want to do in the future, many of which I will most likely never get around to, but it is good to dream isn't it?

"It's awful cold!"

I didn't find much critical information in chapter eleven; yet, there were two things I found particularly interesting and relevant to my own life. On page 113, Jake has a conversation with an old man he meets in a posada. I love this scene in the book because one thing I find more entertaining than anything else in the world, is conversing with an elder. They are always so wise and experienced; they have seen the world and know how it works. Whenever I am traveling, whether it be on a ski lift or an airplane, I love to strike conversation with the old man sitting next to me, which is very much what Jake does in this chapter.

Another part that sparked my interest was when Jake and Bill realize how they underestimated what the weather would be like. When I was on Summer Field Studies these past couple of weeks, I completely underestimated how cold the weather would be during the evening, similar to the men in the story. "We washed, put on sweaters, and came down-stairs into the dining room," (page 115). I love this quote because it is completely relevant to the field studies trip. Every night before dinner, my tentmates and I would dress in warmer clothes that were fitting for the evening, and then head to the pavilion for a meal. It's funny how such a small detail of the story can seem so utterly timeless.

Cohn the Antihero

"I was enjoying it. It was lousy to enjoy it, but I felt lousy. Cohn had a wonderful quality of bringing out the worst in anybody," (page 104).


I couldn't have said it any better myself. Chapter ten does nothing but prove what an arrogant son of a gun Cohn can be, especially toward his best friend. The fact that he completely lied about staying in San Sebastian with Brett and then went behind his friends' backs and wrote to Brett as well is more than irritating. Robert Cohn is no doubt about it, the antihero of the story. He posseses no moral scruples and sheds no light on anybody but himself. He lacks courage, grace, intelligence, and according to Jake, brings out the worst in anybody. However, if Jake is so sure of his friend's loyalty, or lack thereof, then why has he kept him around for so long? He may possibly just have been a tennis partner, or maybe the author has left us in the dark and is waiting to reveal more information on Cohn. He has to serve more importance than he does at this point in the book; I mean, the first sentence of the novel gave the reader insight to his achievements. So confusing! As for right now though, I'm glad Jake and Bill have left him behind.

Ahhhh the Suspense!

I knew there was something fishy going on with Cohn and Brett; always trust your gut. Okay, so now that I know Cohn is trying to get with Brett behind his best pal's back, I dislike him even more. I want to know where Cohn gets the impression that it is a good idea, and why on earth Brett would ever want to go anywhere with Cohn. In all actuality, I should be saying the same thing about Brett, but she's a woman and I give her props. I mean, how often do you see Brett's role being played by a woman? Rarely.

Chapter nine is quite suspenseful. Especially now that Michael and Brett will be joining the men on their fishing trip to Spain. Which leads me to my next conclusion: Brett does not plan, she plots. There is no way that she did not think of every awkward possibility there might be on the expedition. HELLO!? The man she loves will be there, the man she is marrying will be there, and the man she must be "getting it on with" will be there. Actually, I know for a fact she is aware of the consequences. "Don't you think it will be a bit rough on him?" Brett asks Jake concerning Robert (page 89). Now we can look forward to tension between: Jake and Robert, Brett and Robert, Michael and Robert, Michael and Jake, and possibly Brett and Michael. Lucky Bill.

Complete Sentences for Crying Out Loud

There are three things I have noticed about chapter 8: the dialect, the missing information, and the imagery. In this chapter we are introduced to Bill Gorton, also a writer, who just arrived back from Vienna and Budapest. For the most part, I'm pretty fond of Bill and his open personality; however, his dialect is driving me crazy! I'm not sure if this is the first time it has been like this, but Bill cannot speak full sentences for his life. The dialect he uses makes it hard to follow and comprehend the idea he is trying to get across. For example, "Can't remember. Tell you anything I could remember," and "Not so good, Jake. Injustice everywhere. Promoter claimed nigger promised let local boy stay," (page 76-77). The audience can infer that he is an intelligent man by his success that he has earned from the book that he wrote, but the way he speaks does not justify his knowledge.

Not only are sentences incomplete, but there is missing information at the beginning of the chapter as well. Where did Cohn go and why did he randomly disappear? Although the author did not make Jake seem concerned or suspicious about Cohn's disappearance, I am not fooled. The fact that Brett, Cohn, and Frances all went missing about the same time means something, I just have yet to figure it out.

Last but not least, the imagery. When Bill tells of his travels to Vienna and Budapest he provides great detail of the people and the surroundings he experienced. "Looked like Tiger Flowers, only four times as big. All of a sudden everybody started to throw things...knocked local boy down." Of all the amazing things Mr. Gorton could have seen on his travels, he tells of the most cruel story. In my opinion, I think the author wanted to include news of the outside world in order to give the audience a feel for the ongoings of the time period. It helped me to see that during the time, racsim was a major issue. Then, later on in the chapter we are introduced to another new character, the infamous Michael. The author includes a lot of specifics when describing Michael. "You look very fit, Mike," and "He was tanned and healthy-looking," (page 84). The words used to convey Michael are flattering and masculine, most likely used to show a comparison between him and Jake. It seems as though Jake is criticizing Michael their entire first encounter. Jealousy?

"You're Dead, That's All."

This book is full of reluctant lovers and pitiful alcoholics. I mean, let's be honest, every chapter seems to revolve around drinking wine and forbidden romanticisim. Actually, the two seem to inter-connect; the alcohol is used to subside all awkward and heated encounters between two members of the opposite sex, or in chapter seven's case...three. In chapter seven we see Jake Barnes trying his very hardest to deflect all feelings for Brett when the two of them and the count are drinking champagne. In the scene, the audience can distinguish the difference between Jake and the rest of the men in the book. Jake is in love with one woman; the other men, such as the count, fall in love with several women. The count shows no difficulty in expressing his desire for multiple women, which shows the amount of moral value he holds in respect to love. "You haven't any values. You're dead, that's all," (page 67). In my opinion, this quote is a perfect example of the motif for the novel. The characters jump around from place to place every night, sulking in alcohol and women, whether they be married or engaged. They're cynical and bored with the routine of their lives and find no credit in holding values or morals. The only exception to this recurring situation that I can find is Jake Barnes and his heavy heart.

Oh the Conflict

"But here was Cohn taking it all. Here it was, all going on right before me, and I did not even feel an impulse to try and stop it. And this was friendly joking to what went on later," (page 56).


This book has lacked any sort of conflict and fight scene (zzzz...)until chapter six, which is why I find this chapter particularly interesting.

Conflict Number One: Harvey vs. Cohn
Although this fight may not be significant in the long run, it sparks the reader's interest and provides proof to Cohn's short temper. After Harvey makes fun of Cohn, which I still perceive as innocent, Cohn uses a mix of sarcasm and threat in response to his embarrassment. Up to this point in the book, Cohn does not seem like a laid back guy. He's constantly changing his mind, wanting to move, begging for company, and this chapter shows how difficult it is to joke around with the fellow.

Conflict Number Two: Frances vs. Cohn
Not much information has been given on Frances so far in the story, except for her relations with Cohn. In chapter five, the audience is informed of Cohn's desire for Brett, and in chapter six the audience is informed of Cohn's desire for separation from Frances. She completely humiliates Cohn with her sarcasm and irritation in a restaurant where their only company leaves in disgust. However, we see a different side of Cohn in this conflict because he does not talk back to Frances at all. As stated in the quote above, Cohn sits back and takes an inferior role in this scene, which surprised me. In fact, for a quick second I felt bad for Cohn and had a slight urge to punch Frances in the face. On the other hand, I can see where she is coming from, considering Cohn is so rash in his decision making with women. Maybe Cohn is more complex than I thought.

Cohn's Character...Ugh.

Although I'm only on page 46 of TSAR, I'm beginning to discover the personality of Robert Cohn; however, part of him still remains a mystery. The author uses indirect characterization to reveal the flaws and thoughts of Cohn, mostly using Jake's opinion to get the idea across. For example, on page 47, Robert and Jake are in an argument mostly centered around Brett, and Jake expresses his irritation with Robert. " 'You're really about the best friend I have Jake.' God help you, I thought," (page 47). I find this quote interesting because it's almost like their friendship is slightly unrequited Even though Robert feels that Jake is the best person he knows, Jake does not feel the same way...But why? If Jake does not consider Robert to be a close companion, then why does he lead Robert to believe so?

Another thing that bamboozled (I love that word) me in chapter five especially, was their casual use of the phrase "I love you". I have been raised to think that love comes after getting to know someone and that saying you love someone is considered to be a "big" deal. But throughout the novel so far, people pass around the term as if it is an every day habit. For example, after meeting Brett for the first time, Robert Cohn expresses his endearment for her to Jake. "I do. I wonder if I were in love with her," (page 46). I find it particularly annoying because first of all, Cohn is supposed to be marrying Frances. Also, not only is he already promised to another woman, but Jake is considered his best friend. If Robert is not aware of his best friend's previous engagements with Brett, then he is a lousy friend. And if he IS aware of their past relationship, then he is a lousy friend. A lose-lose situation. This just adds to my apathy toward Robert Cohn.

Aphorism...maybe

Alright, I'm going out on a limb here, so bear with me. So far throughout the novel, Jake and Brett continue to engage in debacles in which Brett feels she needs to leave, and Jake asks her to keep him company. Although she continues to break his heart, whether it be with the company of another man or the simple fact that she is leaving him, he presses a sincere smile and treats her with utter respect and endearment. However, in chapter four, page 42, the author identifies his sadness with an aphorism...or atleast I think. In the concluding paragraph he mentions, "It is awfully easy to be hard-boiled about everything in the daytime, but at night it is another thing," (page 42). In other words, when he is accompanied by others, particularly Lady Ashley, hiding his anguish is easier than when he is alone during the night. This thought is relevant to everyone, not just Jake. More often than not, I put on a happy face when I'm in a crowd, even if I am upset about something; on the other hand, those repressed emotions are made apparent when I am my own company later in the evening. Heartbreak is a timeless despair experienced by almost everyone, and the manner that Hemmingway portrays it allows the audience to relate to his mental state.

Where is the emotion?

And the confusion continues... Who is the main character?! The first two chapters make Robert seem like the story will be based around him. However, when the third chapter rolls around, Jake is the center of attention when meets his new friend, Georgette. Then, the fourth chapter also revolves around Jake and his relationships while Robert is placed on the back burner. Honestly, I'm not quite fond of either one. Their unhappiness and lack of humor drives me nuts. In fact, Georgette and Brett are the only two characters to interest me so far. Maybe I'm being sexist, but they atleast attempt to show some attitude and a bit of emotion.

Brett's dialect also reflects a little bit of who she is in society during the time period, too. "Hell you chaps...I'm going to have a drink," ( pg 36). Her choice of words tells me that women don't hold such an inferior position in society as I thought they had. Which leads to my next question.. What exact time period is it? Somebody help me out.

Boredom Leads to Cynicism?

Okay. Throughout the first two chapters of The Sun Also Rises cynicism plays a large role in every character's attitude. Whether it be toward their career, their city, or their love life, they all announce the unhappiness they feel. For example, in chapter two, Robert's persistence in encouraging Jake to leave town with him leads him to expressing his dislike for Paris. "I'm sick of Paris, and I'm sick of the Quarter," (pg 19).
I'm just confused as to what is leading to the negativity. They live in one of the most visited cities in the world with some of the most beautiful people. What is there to complain about? So far, my theory is boredom. Maybe the characters are unhappy due to the routine their lives have taken. Guess we'll have to find out...