As Jake reflects on his friendships, especially with Robert Cohn, who has become quite bothersome, he ponders his own moral values: “That was morality; things that made you disgusted afterward. No, that must be immorality.” Jake is mostly focused on his own desires and, to a somewhat lesser degree, Brett’s. Cohn was lucky enough to spend a vacation with Brett, but he lacks the insight to understand that it was insignificant. Because Cohn cannot embrace the group’s moral standards, he becomes the butt of their jokes. Although this bothers Jake, he is more disturbed by his own violation of the aficionado code when he arranges for Brett to meet Romero. This decision strains his relationships with both Montoya and Cohn, leading to a loss of respect. The visible litter at the festival's conclusion only amplifies his self-disgust. Instead of gaining clarity, Jake chooses to refine his own personal code, centered around a resilient, self-focused attitude.

Throughout the novel, Brett is lost and dissatisfied with herself and those around her, especially Jake—despite him not being at fault. The only instance where she acts morally is when she decides to part ways with Romero. In the narrative, Brett consistently defies conventional morality by engaging in brief, inconsequential affairs. Her self-centeredness and discontent prevent her from stopping this self-destructive cycle, often leaving her passive. These affairs serve as her escape from the unfulfilling relationship with Jake, whom she genuinely loves, but with whom she cannot physically consummate their bond.