A Farewell To Arms
Some writers believe that people can be good and happy only when they accept
the basic code of their society. Others take the stance that society invariably conspires
against individuality, happiness, and goodness. A Farewell to Arms, written by Ernest
Hemmingway, illustrates that once one acknowledges his society's rules and regulations,
he can be not necessarily happy, but act the right way, according to his society.
Frederick Henry was a lieutenant that accepted his role in society. Throughout the
novel, he wasn't a complainer; he never cared much of what people thought of him nor of
what he did; he knew his reason of being, went about his daily life during the war as it
should have been, and didn't honestly mind his life. He even had the notion to find
another woman attractive; if Henry hadn't agreed with his society, he would have
remained depressed and cold.
The most blatantly obvious matter of Henry's acceptance of society is his ability
to fall in love. The fact that he saw a woman he wanted shows the reader that Henry had
to be somewhat happy in order to have a sort of sexual desire; once cannot fall in love
with someone else and truly care about her if he is not happy with himself.
"She wore what seemed to be a nurse's uniform, was blonde and had a tawny skin and gray eyes. I thought she was very beautiful. She was carrying a thin rattan stick like a toy riding-crop, bound in leather."
Of course, Henry goes back to visit Catherine. He is intrigued by her wonder and
beauty, her feminine ways. He is turned down, however, but later does get to see her.
"I looked in her eyes and put my arm around her as I had before and kissed her. I kissed her hard and held her tight and...
View Full Essay