Throughout the novel, The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway, Jake Barnes is portrayed as a very caring and understanding figure to a good female companion named Lady Brett Ashley. The story was conveyed through Jake's eyes, directing his sensitivity towards Brett and the feelings he had developed for her over time. Along with being the narrator of the story, Jake listened to Brett's problems and served as a confidant to her when she was in need.
Jake had much compassion for Brett, regardless of the situation she had gotten into. Because of the fact that she "[turned] all to jelly"(p. 26) when Jake touched her, Brett showed that she still accepted him as a close acquaintance, but once said "we?d better keep away from each other"(p. 26), implying that there was no further relations to their friendship because of his impotence. She still felt love for him because she "turned to jelly" when he touched her, and that drew one another even closer together. When Jake realized that she had still accepted him, he learned that he was something she depended on to keep her from making the wrong choices.
"At five o?clock I was in the Hotel Crillon waiting for Brett. She was not there, so I sat down and wrote some letters"(p. 41). That passage was significant because Jake was always there for Brett, even if he knew that she wasn't going to show up. He always kept his word when it came to her and showed his thoughtfulness by staying there to wait for her. He hoped she felt the same affection he had trapped inside himself for her by writing on the "Crillon stationery"(p. 41). His desire to impress her was revealed on the stationery's letterhead. Leaving a letter for her had also put the point across that he had actually taken the time to meet her.
Although Jake still had love for Brett, she had fallen in love, once again with another man, Pedro the Bullfighter. Jake, being understanding towards her choices, allows her to see him, yet again putting his feelings for her aside.
