Letter to Cohn

Robert Cohn:  He is a prime example of a man struggling to find a meaning to his life.  While in college he tried to become something he was not, boxing to try and combat his shyness and the mistreatment he received at Princeton for being a Jew.  He decided to leave Princeton and essentially start a new life in France with his friend Jake.  However, this turns into a catastrophe once the two friends get caught up living a frivolous lifestyle, full of excessive drinking and partying.  Cohn's problem was that he had no idea how to accomplish what he desired.  He continued to live off of the allowance from his mother, rather than support himself.  He was not happy with his love life and was distressed that he could not find a secure partner and settle down somewhere.  Since both he and his friend Jake shared feelings for Brett, it caused turmoil between the two.  In a way, Cohn was acting like a child; going to parties, accomplishing very little, and then mindlessly complaining about the problems in his life.  As an adult, he has the capability to affect his life, but has chosen not to up to this point.  

The meaning of life can be very subjective.  Every human can choose what they want to do with their lives, meaning that everyone's choice will be somewhat different.  Although every day humans are faced with the stereotypes of what their lives should mean, people still have the choice not conform.  We are told we must go to school, then college, then find a job, then we will be happy.  However, is this the case for everyone?  The only person who dictates their life is the human themselves.  Many individuals have a difficult time finding the meaning of their life.  Some turn to religion to solve this for them, while others venture out and find a passion that they would like to pursue in their lifetime.  In The Sun Also Rises, the characters have failed to find a meaning to their lives.  Rather, they are living spontaneously with large amounts of drinking and partying.    Bill and Jake come closer to finding meaning to their lives when they are out fishing and living simple lifestyles without excessive drinking.  In my opinion, life is what you make of it.  If you want to live a plentiful life, find what makes you happy, and pursue it.