Inevitably Human in A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway Essay Sample

The novel - A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway - showcases traditional gender roles - while still shining a light on the fact that everyone is human. The common male stereotypes of drinking hard and fighting hard are shown throughout the story - but the reader is also given a glimpse of how many men really feel. Female stereotypes are also shown along with many quotes showcasing feminism. These contrasting views on the lives of women and men show how people are not really as different as they seem.

Frederic Henry is portrayed as a strong and manly person. He is very heroic, and shows no fear. After further observation, the reader sees that he does not meet all the traditional male stereotypes like he appears to. He shows that it is not necessarily easy to stay calm and collected in many challenging situations. Frederic Henry “tried not to think and to be perfectly calm” (329). This quote shows that men still have feelings and can be fragile - even though society portrays them as both physically and mentally strong. Calmness is thought of as a very masculine trait - while showing emotion is seen as feminine. This quote shows the reader that both traits are simply human nature. 

Henry is shown as a stereotypical man - and his lover - Catherine Barkley - is shown to be very feminine and naive. She does everything in her power to please Henry and make him happy. “I’ll do what you want and say what you want and then I’ll be a great success, won’t I?” (105). As the reader starts to get sick of her behaviour - they are shown another side of Catherine. She says, “Nonsense. Rowing in moderation is very good for the pregnant lady” to Henry after he doubts her ability to row (275). This highly contrasts the feminine stereotype that she has been portraying. It is extremely brave to simply go in a boat in the middle of the night while pregnant - the fact that she offers to row is just the cherry on top. She takes a stand and shows what she is truly capable of.

Ernest Hemingway’s novel - A Farewell to Arms - gives the reader a new perspective on gender stereotypes. While Frederic Henry portrays himself as someone who is very masculine - he is actually a sensitive and fragile human being. Catherine bends female stereotypes - showing her strength and true capability. The novel uses contrasting behaviors in order to show that everyone is ultimately the same - inevitably human. 

Works Cited

Hemingway, Ernest. A Farewell to Arms; with an Introd. C. Scribner's Sons, 1929.