o may share,
something that Jake just cannot provide her with. Jake's emasculation
only puts the two in a grandly ironic situation. Brett is an extremely
passionate woman but is denied the first man she feels true love and
admiration for. Jake has loved Brett for years and cannot have her
because of his inability to have sex. It is obvious that their love is
mutual when Jake tries to kiss Brett in their cab ride home: "'You
mustn't. You must know. I can't stand it, that's all. Oh darling,
please understand!', 'Don't you love me?', 'Love you? I simply turn
all to jelly when you touch me'" (26, Ch. 4). This scene is indicative
of their relationship as Jake and Brett hopelessly desire each
other but realize the futility of further endeavors. Together, they
have both tried to defy reality, but failed. Jake is frustrated by
Brett's reappearance into his life and her confession that she is
miserably unhappy. Jake asks Brett to go off with him to the
country for bit: "'Couldn't we go off in the country for a while?',
'It wouldn't be any good. I'll go if you like. But I couldn't live
quietly in the country. Not with my own true love', 'I know', 'Isn't
it rotten? There isn't any use my telling you I love you', 'You
know I love you', 'Let's not talk. Talking's all bilge'" (55, Ch. 7).
Brett declines Jake's pointless attempt at being together. Both
Brett and Jake know that any relationship beyond a friendship cannot
be pursued. Jake is still adjusting to his impotence while
Brett will not sacrifice a sexual relationship for the man she loves.
Since Jake can never be Brett's lover, they are forced to create a
new relationship for themselves, perhaps one far more dangerous than
that of mere lovers - they have become best friends. This presents a
great difficulty for Jake, because Brett's presence is both
pleasurable and agonizing for him. Brett constantly reminds him o...