Introduction
Experiences in war often change the way men perceive and prioritize their decisions. Whether good or bad, these experiences fundamentally shape the future and the choices made therein. Frederic Henry, in A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, drastically changes his attitude and perspective about war because of the leg injury he receives, the loss of his ambulance crew, and the execution of Italian officers following the nation’s failure to Austria, which, importantly led him to a peaceful life in the Swiss mountains with Catherine.
Frederic’s Character Development in Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms
The bodily harm that Frederic undergoes as a medic in the Italian army sullies his perception of the war and compromises his usefulness in the Italian army. Additionally, his crewmate Passini passes away in a mortar attack, further enhancing the reality of death and destruction (Hemingway pg.77). In contrast, a life outside the army was relatively safe compared to the Italian front. Furthermore, Frederic is forced to kill two engineering sergeants while on the retreat from the Austrians, which fractured his belief and faith in the military spirit of brotherhood. Eventually, his betrayal sentiments are further solidified upon finding out officers were being blamed for Italy’s failure and execution (Hemingway pg. 315). This final revelation directly threatened Frederic’s life, who chose to escape rather than face such a deadly fate. This constant fear and apprehension shifted his perspective about war and forced him to reconsider raising a family as a serious priority.
Recently, I underwent a shift in perspective regarding the Russia-Ukrainian war. Despite having a unifying cause that encourages the people of Ukraine to support and help each other, instances of racism and segregation still occur (Čizmić par.3). Whereas before, I was entirely in support of the Ukrainian people, their treatment of African workers trying to evacuate the region due to the ongoing war shows a lack of consideration for their fellow human beings. Before my perspective was grounded in sympathy and support for the Ukrainian people, it shifted to a neutral stance. Similarly, Frederic changed his perspective and attitude due to the horrific things he viewed in war.
Conclusion
In conclusion, war changes people’s perspectives and opinions. In Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, Frederic undergoes a radical change in his perception of war due to the injuries he and his crew mates received and the harsh treatment from the Italian army. Incidences of horror contribute to character molding and helper-align people’s priorities in life.
Works Cited
Čizmić, Alex. “African Expats Say Ukraine Is Racist, but It’s Home.” New Frame, Web.
Hemingway, Ernest. A Farewell to Arms. Vol. 1, Scribner, 1929.