Literary Analysis # 2 ("A Farewell to Arms") - 1 views
-
stephiesal853 on 06 Jan 11Argument: Lists and explains in detail the characters that play a role in Ernest Hemingway's novel, A Farewell to Arms. Justifies that the protagonist of the novel is Lieutenant Frederic Henry, and that the woman he loves is named Catherine Barkley. Argues that the protagonist, Frederic Henry, feels pity and sorrow at the end of the novel (similar to the sorrow that Hemingway feels in his life). Evidence: "Henry is a protagonist who is sensitive to the horrors and beauties of life and war" ("A Farewell to Arms"). "Henry feels sorrow and pity…" ("A Farewell to Arms"). "When she falls in love with Henry, she gives herself freely to him" ("A Farewell to Arms"). Thoughts: The two main characters, Frederic Henry and Catherine Barkley in A Farewell to Arms are reflections of Ernest Hemingway in real life and of the love affair he once had with an Italian nurse, Agnus Von Kurowsky. Both characters in the novel are mirror images of what once existed in Hemingway's life. He nearly tells his life story over again A Farewell to Arms. However, he uses other characters to present his story. For example, he plays the protagonist character (Frederic Henry), and his one-time lover, Agnus, plays Catherine Barkley. Because of this, Hemingway has the opportunity to recount his life, let his feelings out, and put a little twist on the story if he pleases. However, the story of his life is tremendously similar to his books. He changes little of his real life and puts it into novels, and merely changes the characters' names. Quotes: "American who has volunteered to serve with an Italian ambulance unit during World War I. Like his Italian companions, he enjoys drinking, trying to treat the war as a joke…" ("A Farewell to Arms"). "…he is wounded, has an operation on his knee, and is sent to recuperate in Milan, where he again meets Miss Barkley, falls in love with her…" ("A Farewell to Arms").