War is an essential topic in A Farewell to Arms due to the novel’s setting at the time of World War I. While reading the book, it is particularly interesting to monitor the growth of the main character and the change in his attitudes towards war. In this essay, I will explain how Frederic’s opinions change and relate this change to my personal experience.
At the beginning of the novel, Frederic does not take the war seriously and ignores the effect that it has on him and others around him (Hemingway, 1929). This view contrasts with Catherine’s perspective and distinguishes the two characters. Frederic’s attitude to war changes over the course of the novel as he experiences more war-related events first-hand. His traumatic experience at the front makes Frederic realize how serious the war is and how it affects all people, including himself. This change is crucial to his character growth since it makes him more mature and accepting of other people’s perspectives.
The capacity to change one’s views based on specific events and experiences is crucial to humans as it allows us to grow and develop throughout life. Frederic’s change in A Farewell to Arms reminds me of how my attitudes to studies changed over the course of my life. At first, I believed education to be unnecessary and did not want to go to college. However, when I learned more about the usefulness of a college education from people who had it, my views changed. I believe that this change benefitted my life by encouraging me to pursue academic success.
On the whole, character growth is an important theme in A Farewell to Arms. Through Henry’s character, Hemingway shows how people’s views and attitudes can shift dramatically based on their experiences. I can relate to the change that has occurred to the main character because it reminds me of how my thoughts about education changed over the years.
Reference
Hemingway, E. (1929). A farewell to arms. Charles Scribner’s Sons.