Secondary Character Significance In The Sun Also R

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Although secondary characters are clearly less important in a novel than the protagonist, they nevertheless have a significant impact on every story. It may be their problem or problems which initially bring the protagonist closer to his/her love interest. It may be their influence, well-meaning or vindictive, that makes the situation better or worse. Interesting secondary characters are painted with broad strokes rather than fine details - though authors need to be careful, because the key word is “secondary.” Though these characters fill a valuable role, they can not hog the limelight. In The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway, and To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, secondary characters such as Brett Ashley and Atticus Finch, are crucial, and play a key role in the progression of each story, and the themes in each. One of the themes in The Sun Also Rises is, bluntly, the destructiveness of sex. Brett Ashley is in every way a woman. Yes, she does her very best to try not to appear that way. She cuts her hair short, wears hats made for men, wears pants instead of the typical dress or skirt that was expected at that time. Nevertheless, she is very much a woman, and everyone is very aware of her sexuality. Though she is very much in love with Jake she cannot be with him because of his injury. She cannot be with him because they would not be able to take that final step; that step that they both wish were possible. And so, she turns to other men, even subtly asks Jake to set her up with another man. This carefree sexuality completely undermines Brett and Jake’s love, and makes Jake completely miserable. However, this also drives him. In a way, Jake wants to prove to her that they can still be together despite their inability to consummate their love the way they desire. He says:
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