Power of Prayer

With all the references to the Catholic Church, Hemingway is trying to get a point across. For the most part, he thinks some people who call themselves "Catholic" are jokes. As it is constantly discussed, dislike of the church is a common theme throughout the novel. The character Jake is one of those people who calls himself Catholic, but when it comes down to it, he can't "walk the walk." The first night in Spain, Jake finds himself in a cathedral where he begins to pray for everyone he thought of. The syntax changes during his prayer; the sentence drags on as Jake's thoughts shift from topic to topic, seemingly unable to stay in prayer. The length of the sentence enables readers to see the guilt Jake feels for his inability to pray and being "a rotten Catholic." Along with guilt, Jake is feeling sleepy, so his thoughts seem endless and random. He's shameful that he doesn't feel religious when he prays (pgs. 102-103). On page 129, Bill asks Jake if he's really Catholic, as if the answer will effect their friendship. Jake response is simple, but speaks volume: "Technically." How many people today would come up with the same answer!? I believe Hemingway is incorporating his feelings into Jake's character: although we may call ourselves Catholic, it is often difficult to live out that lifestyle in the world and customs that surround us.