The book was a very big success when it was published and is still famous and this book was included in the 100 best English language novels.

Plot Summary

As said earlier, the book depicts the story of the banished Americans in Europe. The story is gives an insight into the lives of the people who were considered as the "Lost Generation" people. The story shows the experiences of Jake Barnes and some of his companions, who are traveling with him, on their way to Pamplona. They are going to Pamplona to take part in the annual fiesta and watch the bull fights.

Jake Barnes's genitals were removed as he got them injured earlier. This injury was occurred during the world war 1. Due to this, he can not participate in a sexual intercourse with Brett Ashley, though he is attracted to her. He couldn't control his attraction towards her, however hard he tries to.

The story follows through the journey of Jake Barnes and his companions across Spain and France. Jake gets peace away from Brett Ashley by indulging himself in a fishing trip Burguete initially. He goes to Burguete which is situated deep inside the hills of Spain and he goes there along with a companion, Bill Gorton. Bill Gorton is also a veteran of the war.

Though every character set off in different ways, they finally meet in the fiesta. The fiesta in Pamplona was set as the final meeting point by them earlier and the events that follow after they meet at the fiesta make a very important part of the story. This particular part is very interesting besides being very touchy and moving. All the characters play out their various desires at the fiesta and they drink a lot too at the fiesta.

The book is a very interesting work from the author and it portrays the emotions of the characters very well.

During the play we see Jack listening to the news intently for information about the war in Europe. This habit may be seen today as a father of a family may listen to the news for information about what is going on in Europe to day. They both want to know whether or not their sons will have to be sent to war soon. They begin to worry about their children and their family's well-being as enemy countries become more and more aggressive, such as the nuclear bomb development in North Korea can be compared to the invasions of Germany.

Throughout the play we see two families living in the same household; though, blood related, they are different families. As one may find in many extended families today if one is unable to take care of themselves the family that is better off will take them in and care for them. We see this in this play as Blanche and her two girls move in with Jack, his wife, and his two boys. These two families collide many times throughout the play such as the time Eugene starts ranting about how Laurie always gets special treatment due to her heart and Nora not agreeing with her mother.

“Kate: To me good friends are strangers. But sisters are sisters.” (Simon 118) Even though families may fight within themselves they will always protect each other as shown on page 118 when Blanche plans on leaving to look for a job, Kate stops her and tells her that she can live across the street so they can help each other but not get in each others' way. This is also true with many families today, when some children move out, they may move into a house down the street so they can have a place to themselves, yet they can still visit their parents so they do not feel alone.

“Jack: They got out. That's all that's important.” (Simon 130) This quote shows that no matter how desperate a family may be they will always be willing to help their relatives in need. Jack said this when he found out that his relatives made it out of Germany safely and were coming to America. You can see this determination in many modern families today too. If their relatives are in need the family will make room for them and take care of them until they can get on their feet. Whether it be in the past or the present, a family will always take care of its relatives.