The Destruction of Sex, a notable theme in Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises", is specifically shown in the relationship between the characters of Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley. Because of Jake's impotence and Brett's promiscuity, they can never be together despite their deep bond and supposed love. An analysis of the attraction between them, Brett's past relationships and behaviors, and the parallels between sex and bullfighting reveals that Jake and Brett could never be together even if they were able to consummate their relationship. On the contrary, it is the introduction of a sexual element that would end up destroying their relationship. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Because Brett is a member of the Lost Generation, growing up during World War I, he is constantly searching for a sense of innocence that reminds him of his pre-war existence. Brett finds this purity in the helpless Jake, and they both develop the belief that they are destined for each other. Jake's innocence rests on Brett's pristine perception of him, an image that would be ruined if he and Brett were to consummate their love. Jake and Brett remain friends and hide their feelings for each other while Brett acts man-to-man, all the while hurting Jake with his comparisons: "You're a lousy dancer, Jake. Michael's the best dancer I know" (69) ). Jake endures this pain and remains in love with Brett. While Brett sees in Jake the innocence she lacks, Jake finds in Brett the masculinity he has lost. A strong, independent woman, Brett calls herself a "boy", wears men's hats over her short hair, and refuses to behave in a socially acceptable manner. Jake, who has lost his masculinity to a war wound, is attracted to Brett's independence, an image that would be ruined if he and Brett ever began a romantic relationship. Since the attraction between Brett and Jake is based on a purely platonic relationship, it is highly unlikely that the two will be able to maintain their love for each other if a sexual element were to be introduced. With sex comes attachment and commitment, both of which cause Brett to quickly abandon his male partners. Twice divorced and thrice engaged, Brett is not one to be tied down. She is aware of her promiscuity, even admitting to Jake that she could never live with him because she would simply "walk all over him" (62). She has had countless relationships with men and has abandoned them all due to their attempts to control her once they become physically involved with her. The love they initially express once they sleep with Brett quickly manifests as continued attempts to control her and keep her to himself. Brett simply cannot and will not be controlled, and chooses to destroy every relationship before it becomes a possibility. Cohn, for example, simply fails to understand that his time with Brett in San Sebastian "meant nothing," expecting much more from his relationship with her than he got (185). As a result of Cohn's disappointment and the jealousy that both Mike and Jake feel towards Cohn due to his actions, the tension increases so much that the men erupt into verbal and physical conflict. This is Cohn's downfall; he breaks his moral code to defend himself. Shortly thereafter, Cohn is removed from the novel altogether, just as other men like Mike and the Count are removed from Brett's life. Pedro Romero, specifically, gets fired when he asks Brett to grow his hair: "Me, with long hair. I'd look so damn... He said he'd make me.