In this section, Jake and co first go to a rural town for fishing, then onto to Pamplona for the bull fight. There is a lot more nature in this section, which is a contrast with previous scenes in the city. They actually do things here - dig for worms, catch fish etc, and it brings a sense of peace they didn't have in the city. There is competition in the fishing, but it is simple, and doesn't make anyone feel insecure. They can actually speak honestly about Brett (Bill asks if Jake was in love with her). But as soon as he hears from Brett, Jake leaves this relative peace behind.

There's a further hint about Jake's injury - Bill says that some people think Jake is impotent. Jake responds that he isn't, he's just had an accident. Jake is worried that Bill will stop teasing him for fear of hurting his feelings - he actually wants Bill to tease him, to be treated normally.

I was quite interested in the section where Bill tells Jake that he is more fond of him than anyone else, and that he couldn't say that in New York because people would think he was a 'faggot'. It's a continuation of the masculine imagine theme. During the war, they came to have really intense bonds, taking care of each other, but they actually feel insecure about those feelings now.

What do you think about the section with the bulls in Chapter 13? Jake and Montoya agree they have a bad feeling about the bulls, which seems ominous.

Anything in particular stand out for you? Anything you want to discuss from this section, or the book so far? Over to you!