A farewell to arms is a classi
A farewell to arms is a classiAlthough the book, A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway was not the type of book that had an exciting page-turning story, it can nevertheless be called a classic. A classic has been defined as “a book that lasts through generations because of its universality of theme, ageless symbolism, word choice and the ordering of detail.” This book has a universal theme, several ageless symbols, and a classic style that is as easily read today as
it was 50 years ago.
Although there were several themes in this book, a major theme seemed to
dominate the story. This theme is the importance of love and loss in a male\female relationship. These two lovers were so absorbed in each other that they needed no one else in their life. “’Wouldn’t you like to go on a trip somewhere by yourself, darling, and be with men and ski?’ ‘No. Why should I?’ ‘I should think sometimes you would want to see other people besides me.’ ‘Do you want to see other people?’ ‘No.’ ‘Neither do I.’” p.297. This conversation shows that Catherine loves him so much that she is willing
to be alone just so he can be happy. At the same time, Mr. Henry would probably like to go skiing but would never dream of leaving Catherine alone. Death wins out over love. “’It is very dangerous.’ The nurse went into the room and shut the door. I sat outside in the hall. Everything was gone inside of me. I did not think. I could no think. I knew she was going to die and I prayed that she would not. Don’t let her die. Oh, God, please don’t let her die. I’ll do anything for you if you won’t let her die...” p.330. Hemingway
went on for an entire paragraph of him pleading with God. This is how he is able to show that Mr. Henry loves her more than anything, more than life its self. In a way, I think that they loved each other too much. They did not go out often or do anything that was with other people. They were always together. This is an unhealthy life style. They were creating their own fortress and isolating themselves from the world. ‘“My life used to be
full of everything,’ I said. ‘Now if you aren’t with me I haven’t a thing in the world.’” p. 257. This quote further supports the idea that they are isolating themselves from the world. Since they were so cut off from the outside world, Mr. Henry has even a more difficult time going back into the reality of life after her death. This theme of man and woman isolated in love and finally their loss to dark death...
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