17. Oxymoron

Bill describes the fiesta as a "'wonderful nightmare'" (pg 226, Hemingway). As a whole, just those two words sum up a week of events. The fiesta for Bill and Jake was wonderful, but was tarnished by certain events. Such moments include the bitter attitudes of Mike and Cohn, Jake betraying Montoya, and ultimately the climax of Cohn attacking Mike, Jake, and Romero. Jake remains feeling terrible even after the fiesta is over. He could be upset for several reasons. First, there was the fight with Cohn. Also, the fiesta is finally over, and he must eventually return to reality in Paris. Lastly, once again, Brett has left the scene. Although it seems as if Brett is gone for good, I am not surprised that she returns for the conclusion. All the other characters left the plot for a reason, yet Brett just disappeared. Plus, the plot revolves around Jake's life and it is needless to say that the other main character in Jake's life is Brett.