A Prejudice Theme
Throughout the novel there are frequent insults and criticism towards the one Jewish character in the book, Robert Cohn. Additionally there are frequent comments and jokes about men in the book who are not manly enough and are homosexuals just because they are not manly. “Certainly Hemingway hated anything effeminate in a man, but there's much evidence to suggest that his macho image was a mask that covered his insecurities about his own manhood.” says an article on the author and the impacts his life had on his writing. In a way, the book and its author showcase the characteristics of a bully; degrading other people because of his/her own insecurities. This should not be an “okay” theme for kids or young adults to be exposed to, when middle schools nowadays are purposely trying to address and stop the actions of a bully.
Throughout the novel there are frequent insults and criticism towards the one Jewish character in the book, Robert Cohn. Additionally there are frequent comments and jokes about men in the book who are not manly enough and are homosexuals just because they are not manly. “Certainly Hemingway hated anything effeminate in a man, but there's much evidence to suggest that his macho image was a mask that covered his insecurities about his own manhood.” says an article on the author and the impacts his life had on his writing. In a way, the book and its author showcase the characteristics of a bully; degrading other people because of his/her own insecurities. This should not be an “okay” theme for kids or young adults to be exposed to, when middle schools nowadays are purposely trying to address and stop the actions of a bully.
As Shallow As Where The Water Meets the Sand
The Sun Also Rises does truly have a shallow plot and story line. It's main problem that the book is based on is the fact that main character, Jake Barnes, lost the ability to have a sexual relationship with anyone because of a war injury. His main love interest, Lady Brett Ashley, does not want to have a relationship with him because that means giving up having a sexual relationship. This is not what young children should be reading about, that the only thing that matters in a relationship is the sexual part of it and the reason why a relationship will end is because there is no sexuality involved. Parents and adults would certainly not agree with this statement, and would not agree with letting their child read about this and thinking this is an example of what a real relationship is like. Also, “there was too much focus on the comings and goings of its characters, and I was left with the emphasis on their individual shortcomings and could not draw value from their experiences, and the plot now seems a bit overstated and redundant.” says reviewer Anne Hahn of the “classic novel.” What schools need now is a real book with a real plot and real characters. A deep plot and deep characters. Why should we waste time and money on books that are as shallow as where the water meets the sand?
The Sun Also Rises does truly have a shallow plot and story line. It's main problem that the book is based on is the fact that main character, Jake Barnes, lost the ability to have a sexual relationship with anyone because of a war injury. His main love interest, Lady Brett Ashley, does not want to have a relationship with him because that means giving up having a sexual relationship. This is not what young children should be reading about, that the only thing that matters in a relationship is the sexual part of it and the reason why a relationship will end is because there is no sexuality involved. Parents and adults would certainly not agree with this statement, and would not agree with letting their child read about this and thinking this is an example of what a real relationship is like. Also, “there was too much focus on the comings and goings of its characters, and I was left with the emphasis on their individual shortcomings and could not draw value from their experiences, and the plot now seems a bit overstated and redundant.” says reviewer Anne Hahn of the “classic novel.” What schools need now is a real book with a real plot and real characters. A deep plot and deep characters. Why should we waste time and money on books that are as shallow as where the water meets the sand?
So, WHY WAS IT BANNED?????
1. Language and Profanity
2. Focus on Adultery and Sexual Content
3. Anti-Semitism
No arguing here of why The Sun Also Rises was and should be banned, for harsh language, inappropriate sexual content, and prejudice against Jewish people. “Books with sexually explicit content, or those that challenge religious or political orthodoxy, have throughout history, been regarded as a threat to public welfare.” says Michael Aliprandini and Carolyn Sprague in their article on “Banning Books: An Overview.” Questioning why this book should be banned is like questioning why any book should be banned. It is, in simplest terms, not appropriate for students, like R-rated movies are not appropriate and are not something a parent wants their children exposed to. At these young ages young adults are still developing, and anything parents may not want their children exposed to at this young age can stick with them for the rest of their lives.
1. Language and Profanity
2. Focus on Adultery and Sexual Content
3. Anti-Semitism
No arguing here of why The Sun Also Rises was and should be banned, for harsh language, inappropriate sexual content, and prejudice against Jewish people. “Books with sexually explicit content, or those that challenge religious or political orthodoxy, have throughout history, been regarded as a threat to public welfare.” says Michael Aliprandini and Carolyn Sprague in their article on “Banning Books: An Overview.” Questioning why this book should be banned is like questioning why any book should be banned. It is, in simplest terms, not appropriate for students, like R-rated movies are not appropriate and are not something a parent wants their children exposed to. At these young ages young adults are still developing, and anything parents may not want their children exposed to at this young age can stick with them for the rest of their lives.