what kind of conflict is in a farewell to arms

This novel is truly a testament to the concept of service as a whole and the sacrifices that are made by those who join the military. Based largely on his personal experiences with heartbreak, Hemingway’s story demonstrates that whether genuine or artificial, love is simply a distraction from war and a valid motivation for continuing to fight. The only alternative to this consummation is love. It is a consummation the intensity is so overpowering that any emotion other than pain seems illegitimate and impossible. Throughout the novel, the numbing emptiness war creates is made apparent from the very beginning of this book.

In addition to the question of reasoning and loyalty, there are two major themes that oppose each other, yet are instrumental to the story’s development – love and war. As our view of war and conflict has changed over time, these ideas are now widely accepted while even still, other issues present themselves in Hemingway’s writing, such as the author’s representation of women and minorities which is not indicative of today’s standards and values. Hemingway’s journalistic and prose style of writing embodies the unspoken thoughts of those who questioned their reason to serve – whether it was for glory, honor, or the sense of debt that one feels to their country that inspired them to join the service. The indifferent attitude with which Henry reacted to adverse judgements on leadership and the decisions made by those in positions of authority is a central theme in this novel. When a Farewell to Arms was published in 1929, there were many controversies that surrounded the release of this book. By including many of his own life experiences into this novel, Hemingway captivates readers with an authentic representation of life and his own philosophical thoughts on war.

Like Hemingway, Henry served on the Italian front, suffered a severe injury, and fell in love with a combat nurse.

Though Hemingway played a more limited role in the war than his protagonist, Frederic Henry, the similarities between them are notable.

What kind of conflict is in a farewell to arms