Hemingway's Whore: Brett Ashley and Psychological Distress in The Sun Also Rises
Open Access
Author:
Panea, Sarah Stephanie
Area of Honors:
Administration of Justice (Abington)
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Linda Patterson Miller, Thesis Supervisor Dr. David E Ruth, Thesis Honors Advisor Dr. David E Ruth, Faculty Reader
Keywords:
prostitution alcoholism distress Hemingway coping
Abstract:
Brett Ashley has always been regarded as one of the most prolific characters in Ernest Hemingway’s, The Sun Also Rises. Many scholars see her as a prostitute-like figure, but the motivation behind her behavior is much deeper than the reader first sees. It is important to take into account the historical implications of her behavior and the time period in which she takes a part. This paper specifically outlines the historical period in which The Sun Also Rises takes place and outlines ideas about prostitution. The definition of “sex addict” and “disorder” are provided so that the audience can better understand which category Brett falls into. The audience is also given an analysis, based on the works of Deborah Cameron in ,The Myth of Mars and Venus, about how misconceptions of women in society have been shaped, and how society interprets gender roles. Finally, the audience is also presented with specific textual examples of how Brett’s behavior mirrors that of a prostitute and how her previously traumatic experiences from her early youth have scarred her and influenced her in a way that she uses sex and alcohol as a coping mechanism.
