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Ernest Hemingway, a luminary of the Modern period, left an indelible mark on literature. Hemingway's own encounters with war, particularly his service as an ambulance driver during World War I, likely influenced the creation of his novel A Farewell to Arms. Set in Italy during the war, the novel intricately explores the multifaceted nature of war through the characters of Frederick Henry, Lieutenant Rinaldi, and Gino. Each character's unique perspective serves as a lens through which Hemingway conveys diverse attitudes towards war.
For Frederick Henry, World War I initially holds little significance.
Entering the conflict as an ambulance driver on the Italian front, Henry remains detached, viewing the war as an external adventure rather than a personal cause. His initial indifference is evident when he reflects, "Well, I knew I would not be killed. Not in this war. It did not have anything to do with me. It seemed no more dangerous to me than war in the movies" (37; ch. 7).
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Henry's perception evolves from indifference to discomfort, as he realizes the profound impact of the war on his life.
Unlike passionate patriots such as Gino, Henry is not propelled by an overwhelming sense of duty. His nonchalant response to joining the Italian forces—"I was in Italy, and I spoke Italian" (22; ch. 5)—underscores his pragmatic approach. His discomfort with terms like "sacred" and "glorious" reveals an aversion to the fervor associated with the war (184; ch. 27). Hemingway employs Henry's character to demonstrate the varied attitudes individuals can adopt in response to war, from detached pragmatism to discomfort with the heightened emotions surrounding it.
Lieutenant Rinaldi undergoes a stark transformation, shifting from a carefree, jovial man to a despondent soul deeply affected by the war's ravages.
The war becomes an existential burden for Rinaldi, depleting his spirit and leaving him profoundly depressed. His revelation to Henry, "The war is killing me. I am very depressed by it" (167; ch. 25), marks a poignant moment of acknowledgment.
Unlike Henry, Rinaldi initially finds solace in the war, deriving purpose as a skilled surgeon. However, as circumstances change, and he is no longer needed for operations, his sense of belonging wanes. Rinaldi's remark, "I don't operate now, and I feel like hell. This is a terrible war baby. You believe me when I say it" (167; ch. 25), underscores the toll the war has taken on his psyche. Hemingway utilizes Rinaldi's character to illustrate the emotional toll war exacts on even those who initially find purpose within it.
Gino, the character who guides Henry through Gozoria, stands out as an unwavering patriot. Viewing the war as an opportunity to demonstrate loyalty to his country, Gino remains steadfast in his belief that noble acts arise from innate goodness. His perspective is evident when he declares, "We won't talk about losing. What has been done this summer cannot have been done in vain" (184; ch. 27).
While Gino's unwavering patriotism sometimes alienates him from others, Henry recognizes and respects Gino's genuine commitment. Hemingway portrays Gino as a character born into patriotism, emphasizing the inherent nature of such convictions. Through Gino, the author explores the role of unwavering patriotism in the face of the harsh realities of war.
In A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway skillfully employs the characters of Frederick Henry, Lieutenant Rinaldi, and Gino to illuminate diverse perspectives on war. From Henry's pragmatic detachment to Rinaldi's profound despondency and Gino's unwavering patriotism, each character represents a distinct response to the complexities of war. Through the lens of these characters, Hemingway underscores the multifaceted nature of human attitudes towards war, acknowledging and respecting the array of opinions that emerge during tumultuous times.
Exploring War Perspectives in Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms. (2016, Jul 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/attitudes-towards-war-in-a-farewell-to-arms-by-ernest-hemingway-essay
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