Normality vs the Absurd "A Farewell to Arms"
Ernest Hemmingway: A Farewell To Arms
Normality Versus the Absurd
Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms is arguably one of the greatest literary works of art to emerge from the twentieth century, largely due to the elaborate use of symbolism and incorporation of emergent themes. One of the themes that can be derived relates to the dichotomy of the absurd and normal (Baker). Amidst an escalating war, absurdity is evident in one’s attempt to inflict a sense of normality. Many characters demonstrate this theme as they become more conscious of the frailty of life and death through experiencing the trials and tribulations of an intensifying war. Faith and honour in performing one’s duty is a normal theme enforced at the beginning of the war, but is later found to be absurd as the vulgarity of the war heightens. Another instance where the absurd replaces the normal occurs when central character, Lieutenant Henry, attempts to cope with the war through starting a family, highlighting the absurdity of peace. Similarly to peace, the absurdity of life becomes apparent to those that encountered death numerous occasions during the war. Lastly the absurdity of happiness may be the most prevailing theme since it confronts all participants of the war.
Many soldiers abandon their belief of honour toward one’s duty as they begin to appreciate the value of life in an increasingly hectic war. Upon Henry’s return to duty, the obscenity of the war becomes apparent, but more so, the relation between absurdism and the notion of one’s honour to their duty (MacDonald). The sense of absurdism is captured when Henry removes his ranking, ultimately removing himself from the war: “I had taken off the stars, but that was for convenience. It was no point of honour. I was not against them. I was through” (232). Henry’s desire to perform duty in an honourable conduct diminishes upon his return to duty, resulting in his denial to continue fighting. By removing the stars
Normality Versus the Absurd
Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms is arguably one of the greatest literary works of art to emerge from the twentieth century, largely due to the elaborate use of symbolism and incorporation of emergent themes. One of the themes that can be derived relates to the dichotomy of the absurd and normal (Baker). Amidst an escalating war, absurdity is evident in one’s attempt to inflict a sense of normality. Many characters demonstrate this theme as they become more conscious of the frailty of life and death through experiencing the trials and tribulations of an intensifying war. Faith and honour in performing one’s duty is a normal theme enforced at the beginning of the war, but is later found to be absurd as the vulgarity of the war heightens. Another instance where the absurd replaces the normal occurs when central character, Lieutenant Henry, attempts to cope with the war through starting a family, highlighting the absurdity of peace. Similarly to peace, the absurdity of life becomes apparent to those that encountered death numerous occasions during the war. Lastly the absurdity of happiness may be the most prevailing theme since it confronts all participants of the war.
Many soldiers abandon their belief of honour toward one’s duty as they begin to appreciate the value of life in an increasingly hectic war. Upon Henry’s return to duty, the obscenity of the war becomes apparent, but more so, the relation between absurdism and the notion of one’s honour to their duty (MacDonald). The sense of absurdism is captured when Henry removes his ranking, ultimately removing himself from the war: “I had taken off the stars, but that was for convenience. It was no point of honour. I was not against them. I was through” (232). Henry’s desire to perform duty in an honourable conduct diminishes upon his return to duty, resulting in his denial to continue fighting. By removing the stars
Bibliography: MacDonald, Michael John, IV. "Hemingway 's A Farewell to Arms." The Explicator 67.1 (2008): 45+. General OneFile. Web. 7 Mar. 2012. Baker, Carlos. Twentieth Century Interpretations of A Farewell to Arms: The Mountain and the Plain. New York: The Viking Press, 1944. Print. Hemingway, Ernest. A Farewell To Arms. New York: MacMillan Publishing Company, 1929