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A Farewell to Arms
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Exposition
Our protagonist, Frederic Henry, describes the setting. A beautiful and calm Italian countryside with mountains in the background but natures beauty is corrupted by the soldiers and the war. We also learn that Henry is an American that drives an ambulance in the Italian military.Also an important character is revealed, Catherine Barkley, who will have a big impact on our protagonists life. Henry now is torn between his dedication to his service and his love for Catherine. -
Conflict
In Hemingway's novel Henry, our protagonist, suffers from an internal conflict. Henry is being pulled in two completely different directions. One direction being his love for the beautiful Catherine and the other being his dedication and obligation to serve as an ambulance driver.This becomes the main conflict and essentially the core of the novel. -
Rising Action
The rising action consists of Henry's and Catherine's flirtatious games turning into true love. Unfortunately Henry is injured and sent to the hospital where Catherine is also stationed, and both spend his recovery together. Their love for one another grows and when Henry is ordered to return to the front lines he battles with his internal conflict. Even though he does not wish to return he feels obligated to serve but also wishes to stay with his beloved Catherine. -
Turning Point
The turning point in Hemingway's novel is when Henry decides to leave the Italian army, a life he once saw as orderly, structured,and controled. He now sees it as something full of chaos and disorder characteristics he no longer desires in his life. This action reveals the true meaning behind the title " A Farewell to Arms". He bides goodbye to the war, the anguish, the weapons, to start a new and better life. -
Falling Action
In Hemingway's novel the falling action is when Henry leaves the Italian army and dedicates his life to the love of his life. Catherine. He and Catherine fled to neutral Switzerland and speak of their future together after the war and await the birth of their child. As they near the end of her pregnancy they move closer to a hospital. Catherine finally goes into labor but suffers many complications. Unfortunately Catherine gives birth to a still born child or in other words a dead baby. -
Resolution
The resolution for Hemingway's novel is Catherine's unfortunate death. Due to labor complication and various hemorrhages . Henry has a diffuly time accepting the death of not only his child but of his beloved Catherine. He bids his last farewell to the arms of his beloved and walks to his hotel alone in the rain.
