Introduction
The authors of the lost generation describe the motifs of the tragedy of existence, alienation, and catastrophism. They experienced the consequences of the absurd structure of the world in the image of World War I. Thus, in “Farewell to Arms” by Hemingway, the brutality of war influenced the change in the hero’s views, and his opinion was formed by the senselessness of war, which are essential foundations for the prevention of further wars.
Analysis of Changes
The hero of Hemingway’s novel “Farewell to Arms”, Fred Henry, an American, joined the Italian troops before America had even declared war against Germany. Fred believed in patriotic slogans and went to war as a man who could not stay behind from events of such significance (Hemingway, 2012). However, as an American, Fred did not experience the war’s events and process, perceiving it as aloof. When Henry realized the tragedy of the terrible slaughter, personally observed the deaths of loved ones, and lost his beloved woman, a newborn baby, the war ceased to be indifferent to the man. Fred Henry hated it, which is why, when asked by the bartender about the reasons for participating in the war at the end of the story, he answered confidently: “I don’t know. I was stupid” (Hemingway, 2012, p. 43). Thus, the war permanently changed the views of the main protagonist since the war deprived Henry of faith in justice, goodness, and, in general, human happiness.
In addition, before recent world events, I was not concerned about the consequences of war, but the events in Ukraine have changed my viewpoint. Therefore, I observed that in the modern European context, it is possible to have a full-scale war in which thousands of people die. At the same time, it appears that war’s nature is senseless because all significant issues can be resolved peacefully.
Conclusion
Hence, in Farewell to Arms by Hemingway, the protagonist is enabled to appreciate the brutality of the murder and other atrocities only at war. This changed the protagonist’s attitude to the war; Fred’s patriotism and, at the same time, different views transformed into an understanding of the value of human life. Simultaneously, my perception changing occurred through an understanding of the violent conflict that has arisen in the modern world. Similar to the novel’s main character, I support the idea that war has disastrous results, which is why it is vital to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.
Reference
Hemingway, E. (2012). A farewell to arms: The Hemingway library edition. Simon and Schuster.