Ernest Hemingway's novel, "A Farewell to Arms": Comparative Study of Frederic Henry and Catherine Barkley

Introduction

If Catherine's position as heroine is uncertain, what about the hero Frederic Henry's? In Ernest Hemingway's novel "A Farewell to Arms", Frederic Henry is the protagonist and narrator, but it is uncertain whether he can be considered a hero in the traditional sense. We will evaluate Henry's role as hero in "A Farewell to Arms" through comparative study. How Catherine's position as heroine in "A Farewell to Arms" is cemented?

Is the protagonist the same as the hero?

In literature and film, the protagonist is the main character in a story, while the hero is a character who is admired for their brave deeds or noble qualities. The hero is often the protagonist, but this is not always the case. The hero may be a supporting character who assists the protagonist or may be a character who is not directly involved in the main events of the story, but is still admired for their actions. For example, in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," the protagonist is Atticus Finch, but the hero of the story is Tom Robinson, a character who is falsely accused of a crime and is ultimately killed because of his race. In this case, Atticus Finch is the protagonist because he is the main character and the story is told from his perspective, but Tom Robinson is the hero because of his noble qualities and the bravery he displays in facing injustice.

In Ernest Hemingway's novel "A Farewell to Arms," the protagonist is Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver serving in the Italian army during World War I. Frederic Henry is the main character of the story and the events of the novel revolve around him. He is also the narrator of the story, so the reader experiences the events of the novel through his perspective.

Frederic Henry could also be considered the hero of the story, as he displays bravery and nobility in his actions. For example, he risks his own safety to rescue his comrades during a battle, and he remains loyal to his friends and comrades despite the dangers and hardships he faces. However, the term "hero" is subjective and some of  you may view Frederic Henry differently based on your own values and beliefs.

Actions and Character Development of Frederic Henry

 As an American ambulance driver in the Italian Army during World War I, Henry is initially portrayed as a cynical and detached individual who is primarily focused on his own pleasure and enjoyment. However, as the novel progresses and Henry falls in love with Catherine, he begins to undergo a transformation and becomes more empathetic and compassionate.

Gradually  Henry becomes a protector and caregiver for Catherine. Despite the danger and uncertainty of their situation, Henry is unwavering in his love and devotion to Catherine, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her safe and happy. He also shows great bravery and selflessness in his actions, such as when he sacrifices his own safety to rescue Catherine from a bombing attack.

 As he learns to let go of his detachment and embrace his emotions, Henry becomes more self-aware and introspective, ultimately leading him to make the difficult decision to flee with Catherine to Switzerland in order to protect her and their unborn child.

All these obviously demonstrate his heroism and make him a compelling and inspiring protagonist.

"The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places."

This quote speaks to the idea that life can be difficult and challenging, and that going through difficult times can make us stronger as a result. It suggests that suffering and struggle can ultimately lead to growth and resilience. We can read Henry in this Perspective.

But, Henry also exhibits selfish and self-centered behavior, particularly in his relationships with women. He is indifferent to the feelings of others and often puts his own desires above the needs of those around him. He also displays a lack of commitment and loyalty, as he abandons Catherine when she needs him most.

While Henry may exhibit some heroic qualities, his actions and behavior towards others raise doubts about his status as a hero. It is ultimately up to the reader to decide whether they view Henry as a hero or not.

Catherine's position as heroine in "A Farewell to Arms": 

Catherine  Barkley is a British nurse who falls in love with the main character, an American ambulance driver named Frederic Henry.

She is the love interest of Frederic Henry. Throughout the novel, Catherine is depicted as a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind and challenge societal expectations. Despite being faced with numerous challenges and setbacks, Catherine remains determined and resilient, ultimately leading to her becoming a symbol of hope and resilience for Frederic.

 Despite facing criticism and societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, Catherine is fiercely independent and refuses to be controlled by anyone. She is also unapologetically honest about her feelings and desires.

 During a conversation with Frederic, Catherine delivers a monologue in which she expresses her belief that love and war are incompatible and that love is ultimately the most important thing in life.

We can quote Catherine's speech:

"I'm not brave, really. It's just that I'm afraid of dying. I'm afraid of dying without having had a chance to really live. And I'm afraid of dying without having loved anyone the way I love you. Love is the only thing that matters, don't you think? It's the only thing that's real. All the rest is just illusion. War is just a silly game that men play. It doesn't mean anything. It doesn't change anything. It doesn't make the world a better place. But love, love makes everything worth living for. It's what makes life worth living."--

Catherine Barkley 

Catherine's words truly reflect the theme of the novel, the futility of war in the face of love and human connection.

Catherine's bravery and strength are demonstrated throughout the novel, particularly in the way she handles her pregnancy and the loss of her child. Despite experiencing immense grief and heartbreak, Catherine remains strong and resilient, and her ability to find hope and joy in the face of tragedy is a testament to her heroism.

Overall, Catherine's determination, independence, and strength make her a compelling and inspiring heroine in "A Farewell to Arms".

Conclusion: 

Catherine's determination, independence, and strength make her a compelling and inspiring heroine in "A Farewell to Arms" but Henry with his suffering and struggle can ultimately lead to growth and resilience. We can read Henry in this Perspective.

Ardhendu De

Works Cited:

1. A Farewell to Arms, William A. Glasser, The Sewanee Review Vol. 74, No. 2 (Spring, 1966), pp. 453-469 (17 pages) Published By: The Johns Hopkins University Press https://www.jstor.org/stable/27541423

2.  Aichinger, Peter. The American Soldier in Fiction, 1880-1963: A History of Attitudes Towards Warfare and the Military Establishment. Ames: Iowa State University Press. 1975. 

3. Cooper, Stephen. The Politics of Ernest Hemingway. Ann Arbor: UMI Research Press, 1087.

4.  Donaldson, Scott. By Force of Will : The Life and Art of Ernest Hemingway. New York : The Viking Press, 1981.

5. Garrety, Michael . "Love and War : R.H. Mottram, The Spanish Farm Trilogy and Ernest Hemingway A Farewell to Arms. Ed. Holger Klein. London: Macmillian, 1976. 10-22.

6. Gurko, Leo. Ernest Hemingway and the Pursuit of Heroism. New York : Crowell, 1986. 

7.  Hemingway, Ernest, ed. Men at War. New York : Berkley Publishing Cooperation , 1942.