A group of disillusioned American and British expatriates navigate the aftermath of World War I while traveling from Paris to Pamplona for the running of the bulls. Jake Barnes, a journalist wounded in the war, serves as the narrator, observing his peers as they grapple with aimlessness, alcoholism, and unrequited desire. His primary objective is to maintain a sense of composure while managing his complicated feelings for the liberated Lady Brett Ashley. The narrative framework is a restrained first-person perspective that emphasizes external action and dialogue over internal monologue, reflecting the emotional detachment of the characters.

Readers and critics frequently highlight the precision of the prose and the effectiveness of the sparse, objective style in conveying deep-seated existential dread. Discussion often centers on the moral ambiguity of the characters and their inability to find meaning in a world shattered by conflict. The bullfighting sequences are often analyzed as a central metaphor for the characters' struggle to maintain dignity in the face of inevitable suffering. Many readers note that the pacing is deliberate, mirroring the aimless nature of the protagonists' lives. The work remains a primary example of how minimalist technique can evoke complex emotional landscapes without relying on overt sentimentality.