Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms follows the journey of Frederic Henry, where we see how Henry’s experiences in the war shape him, he begins to see war as a pointless and destructive endeavor, and he eventually deserts the army. Initially, Henry is motivated by love for his country, inspiring him to be passionate about participating in the war. However, as he experiences first-hand the devastating consequences of war, his attitudes and views of it change drastically. He slowly grows to understand the human cost of war and realizes the futility of it all (Hemingway 71). This leads him to desert the army, a decision driven by his newfound disillusionment and sorrow.
I understand what Henry is going through since I too have had a drastic shift in perspective. Upon completion of high school, I was expected to follow my peers and attend college. However, I felt that college wasn’t right for me. Thus, I decided to take an alternate path and signed up for an online real estate course and a cosmetology-specific school. It was difficult for me to make this choice, as it went against the expectations of myself, my peers, and my relatives. Despite this, I was sure that this was the best choice for me and my future.
It took courage for me to go against societal expectations and risk disappointing those I care about. Additionally, I had to trust my intuition and trust in my judgment. It was a difficult journey, but the outcome was immensely gratifying. Not only did I get a boost in self-assurance, but I also gained a better perception of what I value and want in life.
To sum it up, Frederic Henry’s development serves as a reminder that it is sometimes needed to stand up to the accepted standard and to make challenging decisions to live a life that is consistent with our principles and convictions. His story is a strong indication that transformation is achievable and that the courage to take on hard choices can eventually lead to a life of tranquility and honesty.
Work Cited
Hemingway, Ernest. “A Farewell to Arms. 1929.” New York: Scribner (1995).