A waiter in a cafe tells Jake that a man was gored by a
bull, and after he tells Jake this, he is the one who says this quote. He is expressing
his view that getting gored and killed by a bull just for the sake of sport is not worth
it. He believes that sport and pleasure are not worth a
life.
With regard to bull fighting, it would depend on your
view. Certainly the bull fighters and their fans believe that it IS worth it. Bull
fighting is their passion and they are willing to give their lives for the thrill.
Others, like the waiter, believe there are more important things one can give one's life
for other than sport and pleasure. With regard to relationships, is a relationship built
only on sport and pleasure worth it? Isn't this how Brett rolls? She really does not
have any true relationships with men because they are all built on "sport" and
"pleasure" (i.e. sex). The only relationship that is helpful to Brett is her one with
Nick, because it is NOT sexual. Ironic, huh?
The "lost
generation" of this novel are those whose lives are built on the sand castle of sport
and pleasure. Brett, Mike, Bill, Jake - and others they encounter - spend their time
flitting around Europe, having a good time, getting drunk, having sex. I say, is that
all life is about? What rot!
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