"The dreamy poem of (a) woman's body on the battlefield": reading Books IV and V of A Farewell to Arms as Frederic Henry's dream

Amin Heidari

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

This essay offers a nuanced interpretation of Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, focusing on Books IV and V as reflections of Frederic Henry’s dream. I argue that these sections represent both Hemingway’s fantasy and Henry’s dream, contrasting the devastation of war with the peace symbolized by Catherine Barkley. The essay explores themes of war, love, dreams, and fantasy, positioning Catherine as an emblem of life and femininity amidst masculine brutality.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCritical insights: A Farewell to Arms
EditorsLaura Nicosia, James F. Nicosia
Place of PublicationAmenia, USA
PublisherSalem Press
Pages117-135
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9798891791299
ISBN (Print)9798891791282
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Publication series

NameCritical insights
PublisherSalem Press

Keywords

  • Ernest Hemingway
  • A Farewell to Arms
  • Catherine Barkley
  • Agnes von Kurowsky
  • World War I
  • Dream
  • Masculine War
  • Poem

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