In the novel A Farewell to Arms
A Farewell to Arms
A Farewell to Arms is a novel by Ernest Hemingway set during the Italian campaign of World War I. First published in 1929, it is a first-person account of an American, Frederic Henry, serving as a lieutenant in the ambulance corps of the Italian Army. The title is taken from a poem b…
What kind of character is Lieutenant Frederic Henry?
Lieutenant Frederic Henry Character Analysis. An American who volunteers for the Italian ambulance corps before the United States joins the war. Various Italian characters also refer to him as "Tenente" (Lieutenant) or "Federico" (Frederic). Henry is a classic Hemingway hero in that he is a stoic who does his duty without complaint.
What are the characteristics of the Hemingway hero?
The characteristics of the Hemingway Hero are all evident in Frederic Henry, the protagonist of A Farewell to Arms. Like all the other typical Hemingway Hero, Henry is also a man who has alienated himself from the world. As the novel begins we find Henry, an American serving in the Italian army.
What happened to Frederic Henry at the end of a farewell to arms?
When he walks out of the hospital at novel's end, Lieutenant Frederic Henry is a different man than he was at the opening of A Farewell to Arms. He has caught up to Catherine Barkley and now understands the world and his place in it. Sadly, he carries that understanding into the rain alone and broken, and forever without her.
What is the unconventionality of Henry VIII's attitude to war?
This unconventionality is discussed in relation to the two main themes in the novel: War and love. In his attitude to war, Henry undergoes various changes as the novel progresses and his shortcomings more than his merits are discussed. He is not an ideal person, he is a man with faults and yet likeable.
What kind of character is Frederic Henry?
Henry is a man without religion, morality, politics, culture or history. He cherishes private, isolated life and attempts at shirking social responsibilities. He is receptive, a keen observer but curiously passive.
Who was Hemingway hero in Farewell to Arms?
Frederic HenryA Farewell to Arms is one of the great works of Ernest Hemingway. He is one of the greatest authors in the twentieth century. In this novel, Hemingway stresses on the character of Frederic Henry. He is the main character in the novel.
Who is the Hemingway hero?
A Hemingway Code Hero is defined as a Hemingway character who “offers up and exemplifies certain principles of honor, courage, and endurance which in a life of tension and pain make a man a man.” Some people have said that Santiago from The Old Man and the Sea is the finest, most developed example of one of Hemingway's ...
How does Henry's character change in A Farewell to Arms?
Frederic Henry, at the novel's end, takes responsibility for destroying the lives of his lover and unborn child, and reveals to us his ultimate change: He has progressed from an rootless expatriate to a caring individual who sees himself as a potential husband and father.
How is Henry a Hemingway hero?
Henry functions as a Hemingway code hero because he faces life with courage, and he endures life with dignity. The character of Lt. Henry is a prime example of a Hemingway hero. He shows a general loss of faith in conventional morality.
What is the main message of A Farewell to Arms?
Answer and Explanation: The message of Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms is that one should recognize the brevity of life and take advantage of life's joys while it is still possible.
Who is a code hero?
Critics gave the term code hero to Hemingway's novels because of the exact characteristics of writing each has. A code hero is one who is a brave man of action, knowledge, stoical, and a strong survivor. Frederic's change into the code hero is displayed through his change in the way he looks at life and war.
Who is the code hero in The Sun Also Rises?
A particular “code” is consistently used to form the heroes of Ernest Hemingway's various works of literature. In The Sun Also Rises, this “code” was referred to when Hemingway created the character of Jake Barnes, the main character and narrator of the novel.
What's a code hero?
Hemingway defined the Code Hero as a “man who lives correctly, following the ideals of honor, courage and endurance in a world that is sometimes chaotic, often stressful, and always painful.” The Code Hero measures himself by how well he handles the difficult situations that life throws at him.
Why did Henry change his mind about war?
This experience changes Henry's perspective: he understands that his desire to help brings him no reward for his efforts and even threatens his life. Consequently, he deserts to stay away from the war and the army that only offers suspicion and execution for his help.
How did Frederic Henry feel about the war?
Frederic Henry had major changes throughout the novel. His attitude towards the war, Catherine, and friends had all changed significantly. One could argue that he didn't pay much mind towards the war he involved himself in at first, but once he did, he became less enthusiastic about it as he became more aware.
Is Frederic Henry a reliable narrator?
First Person (Central Narrator) On the surface, Frederic Henry is the quintessential unreliable narrator. He's always boozing, he's going through severe trauma, and he admits to lying to other characters in the novel, while at the same time supposedly telling us how he really feels.
Who is the main character in A Farewell to Arms?
Lt. Frederic HenryCatherine BarkleyRinaldiHelen FergusonThe PriestA Farewell to Arms/Characters
Who is the antagonist in A Farewell to Arms?
Answer and Explanation: In Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms, the antagonistic force is the oppressive and dominating World War I.
Why did Hemingway write A Farewell to Arms?
Hemingway served as an ambulance driver for the Italian army in World War I. Severely wounded, he recuperated in a Red Cross hospital in Milan where he fell in love with one of his nurses. This relationship proved the model for Frederic and Catherine's tragic romance in A Farewell to Arms.
What was Ernest Hemingway influenced by?
Mark TwainGertrude SteinWilliam FaulknerFyodor DostoevskyLeo TolstoyEzra PoundErnest Hemingway/Influenced by
What is Lieutenant Frederic Henry's role in Farewell to Arms?
When he walks out of the hospital at novel's end, Lieutenant Frederic Henry is a different man than he was at the opening of A Farewell to Arms. He has caught up to Catherine Barkley and now understands the world and his place in it.
What does Henry talk about before he gets his wound?
Just prior to receiving his war wound, Henry is still talking abstractly about bravery (though, significantly, he does admit after the first shelling to being scared). In a bit of foreshadowing that will prove ironic, he argues against giving up: "It would only be worse if we stopped fighting.".
What does Catherine say to Henry?
With her characteristic mix of wisdom and humor, Catherine replies, "It's very hard. There's no place to drop it.". Permanently scarred by the loss of her fiancé, she already knows that the war can't simply be "dropped.". Additionally, Henry tells us that his declaration of love for Catherine is a lie.
What is Henry's strategy vis-à-vis the war specifically and the unpleasantness of the world in general?
For now, Henry's strategy vis-à-vis the war specifically and the unpleasantness of the world in general, could be referred to as obliteration, which he achieves via alcohol and sex. He is spiritually lost when we meet him, and A Farewell to Arms will trace his movement toward an understanding of the world and of himself.
What does Henry tell the Count that he values most?
He tells the Count that what he values most is someone he loves and that he "might become very devout," elaborating that his religious feeling comes at night.
Where does Henry stand in Farewell to Arms?
At this point in A Farewell to Arms, Henry stands somewhere between them, philosophically, as if at a crossroads. It is unclear whose path he will follow, despite his traumatic and painful recent experience. When Henry and Catherine reunite in Milan, he again declares his love for her — only this time he means it.
Does Henry participate in the tormenting of the priest?
Remember, however, that Henry does not participate in the tormenting of the priest in his unit. He perhaps recognizes that the chaplain stands for something, unlike the cynical, nihilistic officers who taunt him. Henry himself doesn't believe in much of anything yet, but his refusal to join in the ritual of priest-baiting shows us that he respects those who do and that he has potential in this regard. Still, he is uncommitted enough at this point in the story that he can miss an evening with Catherine altogether because he is drinking with his fellow officers. On the other hand, he does regret doing so afterwards. Henry is growing, and growing closer to Catherine.
His Initial Pleasure Seeking Attitude
As the novel opens and we are introduced to Henry the first thing that strikes us is that he is an American who is serving in the Italian army. He is in charge of an ambulance unit. He is an officer with the rank of lieutenant but it is to be noted that he is very casual in his attitude to war.
His Performance of His Duties
However, when Frederic Henry returns from his leave and gone back to duty, we find that he is rather conscientious and efficient in discharging his duties. As he comes back to Gorizia, he immediately goes and inspects the ambulances under his charge.
Courageous, Kind and Sympathetic
Soon after returning to the front, Henry goes to survey the Front where the war is going on. He shows no signs of nervousness or fear in carrying out his duty. He remains completely unperturbed, calmly driving back even though a number of shells burst quite close to his vehicle.
War Not of Vital Concern
Frederic Henry is a man given to quick reflection. Later, after the above mentioned incident Henry begins to think about the war he was in He muses about the war and calls the place (the war front) a strange and mysterious zone. For no reason he wishes that he were in some British unit instead of an Italian one.
No Affectation or Hypocrisy
As the Italian offensive starts, Henry and his unit are posted at the front. We observe Henry competently doing his duty. He finds a proper dugout for his drivers to stay in during the offensive and promptly goes to arrange for their food when told that they are hungry. This shows his deep concern for those working under him.
Depressed by the war
Henry takes a long leave and returns to the front having recovered from his injuries. He rejoins his unit at Gorizia. He is ordered to take charge of the ambulances now stationed in Gorizia. In his room he is visited by the priest.
No Trust in Traditional or Conventional Ideals
The Italians faces a defeat at Caporetto and are forced to retreat. Just before this defeat when the Italians are facing the hardships of being unable to get food to eat and the fear that it might affect the morale of the soldiers and the ultimate fear of losing the war. Henry is shown talking to Gino or patriot.
Who is Frederic Henry?
Lieutenant Frederic Henry. An American who volunteers for the Italian ambulance corps before the United States joins the war. Various Italian characters also refer to him as "Tenente" (Lieutenant) or "Federico" (Frederic). Henry is a classic Hemingway hero in that he is a stoic who does his duty without complaint.
What is Henry awoken by?
Henry is awoken by the "nuisance" of an Austrian gun battery firing in the distance. He... (full context)
What chapter does Henry go to pay a visit on Catherine?
Chapter 5. Henry goes to pay a visit on Catherine the next day. At the hospital, he speaks... (full context) When Henry returns that night, Catherine is in the garden with Helen Ferguson, another English nurse.
How long does Henry have to visit Catherine?
Henry can't find time to visit Catherine for two days. When he does visit, Catherine tells... (full context) After they kiss for a while, Catherine surprises Henry by acknowledging that they are playing "a rotten game.".
When does Henry return to Gorizia?
Henry returns to Gorizia in the spring, after his leave is over. He greets his friend... (full context)
Where is Henry taken when he arrives in Milan?
When Henry arrives in Milan, he is taken to an American hospital. The ambulance drivers who carry... (full context)
Where does Henry move to in Chapter 3?
Lieutenant Henry's unit moves to the town of Gorizia, which the Italian army has captured from the... (full context) One night in the mess hall, Henry sits with a group of fellow officers who are taunting the unit's priest for being... (full context) Chapter 3.
Why does Hemingway allow Henry to narrate the book?from sparknotes.com
Furthermore, because he allows Henry to narrate the book, Hemingway is able to suffuse the entire novel with the power and pathos of an elegy: A Farewell to Arms, which Henry narrates after Catherine’s death, confirms his love and his loss.
What is Henry's reaction to Catherine Barkley?from sparknotes.com
Against this bleak backdrop, Henry’s reaction to Catherine Barkley is rather astonishing. The reader understands why Henry responds to the game that Catherine proposes—why he pledges his love to a woman he barely knows: like Rinaldi, he hopes for a night’s simple pleasures.
What does the priest bring to Henry?from litcharts.com
Later that day, the priest comes to visit Henry, bringing vermouth and English newspapers. As the two men talk, Henry admits that he hates... (full context)
What does Catherine tell Henry about Moretti?from litcharts.com
At the hospital that night, Catherine tells Henry that she dislikes Moretti, and prefers quieter heroes. It soon begins to rain, and as... (full context)
What does Henry tell the Count that he values most?from cliffsnotes.com
He tells the Count that what he values most is someone he loves and that he "might become very devout," elaborating that his religious feeling comes at night.
What happens in Stresa?from litcharts.com
In Stresa, Henry checks into a hotel, where he knows the barman, Emilio. In response to Henry 's questions,... (full context) After Henry and Catherine make love in Henry 's hotel room, Henry lies awake and thinks about how... (full context) In the morning, Henry doesn't read the newspaper while they eat breakfast.
How long does Henry have to visit Catherine?from litcharts.com
Henry can't find time to visit Catherine for two days. When he does visit, Catherine tells... (full context) After they kiss for a while, Catherine surprises Henry by acknowledging that they are playing "a rotten game.".
The Hemingway Hero
The term “Hemingway Hero” came into being because in most of Hemingway’s books, be it novels or short stories, the protagonist shares certain traits and characteristics so as to resemble one another closely. It is as though Hemingway presents the same man under different guises and names.
Henry: No Ties with the World
The characteristics of the Hemingway Hero are all evident in Frederic Henry, the protagonist of A Farewell to Arms. Like all the other typical Hemingway Hero, Henry is also a man who has alienated himself from the world. As the novel begins we find Henry, an American serving in the Italian army. He is a Lieutenant in the ambulance unit.
Given to Sensual Satisfaction
Henry like the typical Hemingway Hero is a hedonist and is given to the pleasures of the senses. He is therefore a hard drinker and he indulges in casual sex freely and frequently. He has no personal relationships of any kind which exhibit depth or intimacy at any level.
Wounded and Haunted by Guilt
The typical Hemingway Hero is usually affected by a wound which is physical and also suffers from psychological problems. Henry also is wounded. He is seriously wounded in his legs (as Hemingway himself in war) and his knees have to be operated upon. Henry also preys to nightmares. He cannot sleep at night because he keeps thinking and thinking.
Tough But Inherently Sensitive
The Hemingway Hero is also a very tough, courageous man. "Yet, this toughness is marked by a strong sensitive streak too. He is barbarian rather he is a sensitive man given to reflections and ruminations. Henry’s thoughts and reflection contain references to poets and authors like Samuel Johnson, Saint Paul, Sir Thomas Wyatt etc.
Stoic in the Face of Defeat
As all the typical Hemingway Hero faces death and defeat, so does Frederic Henry. Henry faces death in its many faces throughout the novel. Henry is already aware of the cruelty of the world even before he loses Catherine. His reflection of death is that:
The Hemingway Code
The Hemingway Hero generally evolves and follows a code of conduct which again is referred to as the Hemingway Code. This code of conduct credits the Hemingway Hero. Henry also displays a code of conduct in the way he faces death and defeat especially in the manner in which he faces Catherine’s death.
