Mike and Brett

     In The Sun Also Rises, we see the entire story through Jake's eyes--all the characters, developments, conversations, are told through his point of view.  This is true with characters' interactions, and they may be somewhat different from what they seem.  A good example of this is the relationship between Brett and Mike.  At the beginning of the novel, it seems to be mostly for convenience on Brett's part.  But, by the end of the novel, it has grown into a more mutually beneficial relationship.

     When we first meet Brett, she is out partying, and Cohn notices her.  He finds her "remarkably attractive", and questions Jake about her (46).  Jake tells Cohn that she is engaged to Mike Campbell, who will "be rich as hell someday" (46).  Though Jake says she loves Mike, Cohn doesn't believe that they will get married, because he thinks Brett would not "marry anybody she didn't love" (46).  Jake responds, saying, "She's done it twice" (46).  Cohn's incredulity and Jake's response suggest that Brett may be wanting to marry Mike just for his money.  

     Mike. however, seems to be interested in Brett from the beginning.  When we first meet him, he can't stop saying how she is a "lovely piece" (84).  Granted, at this point, and at many points in the novel, he is drunk, but he still cares a lot about Brett.  This is clearer later in the novel, when he has trouble knowing Brett is with other men.  He is mad about the relationship with Cohn, and says, "if she would go out Jews and bull-fighters and such people, she must expect trouble" (205-206).  Mike is uncomfortable with her relationships, and drinks out his sorrow.  This shows that he cares about her.

     By the end of the novel, we learn that Mike is a "bankrupt", and is constantly borrowing money.  We know that Brett knows this as well, as she gives Mike the money to pay Montoya back.  She says, "I'm going back to Mike...he's so damned nice and he's so awful.  He's my kind of thing" (247).  These examples show that she cares for Mike, not his money.  At the beginning of The Sun Also Rises, Brett seems to want Mike's money mostly.  But, by the end, we see that she has grown, and that their relationship is much more caring.