War is one of the most existentially significant events in the life of any person faced with it. War is associated with not only apparent cruelty, death, and hatred but with stress, reassessment of values ​​, and everyday problems. In everyday life, only a tiny fraction of the issues can make the same impression on the psyche as the war. Frederick Henry, in A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, turns from a patriotic enthusiast devoted to his ideals into a disappointed man, subtly feeling his weakness and the shortness of life.
Going to war as an inspired volunteer, Henry believes in the victory and strength of the officers. However, as time passes, Austria shows strength, and Henry suffers from a lingering knee injury. Subsequently, he sees the army’s disorganization and the soldiers’ fear. Time in the hospital makes him think about the brevity and transience of life. The story of the beloved Catherine, who lost her beloved at the front, develops this narrative and creates an atmosphere of doom around Henry. The war professes punishment without trial or investigation, so Henry deserts (Hemingway, 2018). He could never think of it, for he saw war as a springboard for heroic victories and holy sacrifice. War knows no rules and honor, and Henry realizes there is no beauty in bloodshed. Part of my life was the same existential fear and disappointment after the death of my older brother. He was 25 years old, and I was shocked at how a handsome young man could easily give up his life due to ridiculous circumstances.
Thus, facing death in war makes people like Henry think about the fragility of life. Counting on heroic deeds, honesty in fights, and believing in his army, Henry turns into a deserter, saving his life for the sake of the future. Belief in love, the possible creation of a family, and a quiet life motivate him to abandon military ideals. War brings chaos in which ordinary people cannot find peace; over time, getting away from this chaos becomes these people’s only hope and desire.
Reference
Hemingway, E. (2018). A Farewell to Arms. Forgotten Books.