Campbell, an "undischarged bankrupt-, who is engaged to Brett, does not care about her affairs. Mike's love for Brett takes place because of her beauty and good looks. When Mike first enters the picture, he constantly comments on how lovely Brett looks: "It's a lovely nose. Go on, point it at me. Isn't she a lovely piece (85)."" His repeated compliments about Brett shows that he is only interested and loves her appearance. Love for a "modern woman- is more focused on the appearance rather than the woman's character and inner beauty. .
Mike realizes that he has something that all men want and thus feels compelled to brag about it. Brett simply needs an anchor to hold her down and keep her in one place and Mike is the perfect person to fulfill this role for her. After Brett's brief affair with the bullfighter, she knows that Mike will be there to welcome her back with open arms. The "traditional woman- has little say in a relationship as opposed to a "modern woman,"" like Brett, who has all control over her relationships. .
Mike loves Brett for her appearance but with Jacob Barnes, it goes deeper than appearance. Jake has loved Brett for many years. Only one problem exists in the chemistry between the two. Jake is impotent and thus unable to perform one of the acts that Brett desires most. Because of Jake's condition, a sexual fulfilling relationship between the two cannot reside. Brett, being a passionate and lustful young woman, possesses a desire for something that Jake cannot provide her. Their love for each other first becomes apparent on their cab ride home: Brett starts by saying, "'You mustn't. You must know. I can't stand it, that's all. Oh, darling, please understand!' Jake then asks, Don't you love me?' Love you? I simply turn all to jelly when you touch me' states Brett (34)."" This scene portrays the relationship between Jake and Brett. They desire each other so much, but they know that any kind of serious and fulfilling relationship would be impossible because of Jake's condition.
