Jake Barnes

"Couldn't we live together, Brett? Couldn't we just live together?"
"I don't think so, I'd just tromper you with everybody. You couldn't stand it."
"I stand it now."
"That would be different. It's my fault, Jake. It's the way I'm made."
"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. I'm going away from you, and then Michael's coming back." (Hemingway 62)

I said I can stand it, you being with another man, but I really can't. You say you're hurting inside, but everything is slowly killing me. It hurts more when you call me your "own true love", when you say there's no use telling me you love me. There is a use, and it brings me so much joy. Right here in this moment, I'm desperate for you. I may say I can stand your trompering me, but it kills me. But if I get to be with you, live with you in the country- just you and I- I'd be overjoyed. Being in love is a great feeling. I believe that will stand the tompering.