How People Go To Hell Shmigalle

While the termination of some relationships mark a bitter and unfortunate end, sometimes the pair is better off without each other. In his article “How People Go to Hell”, Günther Schmigalle argues that Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises can and should be “placed in the tradition of philosophical pessimism and the genre of tragedy”. Schmigalle argues that Jake and Brett’s relationship falls into the genre of tragedy, however I believe the disintegration of their relationship should be categorized as optimistic.
Schmigalle argues that Jake’s relationship with Brett could be considered tragic on the grounds that its one sided and is therefore hopelessly depressing. While out dancing with another woman, Jake abruptly leaves the club with Brett. While being whisked off with this beautiful and charismatic woman, Jake
The pair gets into a taxi, and instantly the atmosphere changes, their “lips were tight together and then she turned away and pressed against the corner of the seat, as far away as she could get. Her head was down” (Hemingway 33). What Jake had interpreted as shared affection, is suddenly a one sided gesture. Brett’s lack of reciprocation seems to be the main reason Schmigalle categorizes this relationship as a tragedy. Jake left his date for Brett under the assumption that she shared mutual feelings for him, however he experienced a very rude awakening. Thus Brett’s lack of reciprocation in this moment highlights the unfortunate reality of the situation, thus justifying Schmigalle’s claim about the tragic genre of Hemingway’s story. The unequal distribution of