This paper compares the themes and characters of Hemmingway’s For Whom The Bell Tolls and A Farewell To Arms.
Within the framework of war which surounds Hemingway’s two novels, A Farewell to Arms and For Whom the Bell Tolls, there exist contrasting and similar characteristics which are directly related to the author’s maturity and sentiments. A Farewell to Arms, written in 1929, expresses more pessimism and less feeling for the Italians than the later work, For Whom the Bell Tolls. In both works, Hemingway has illustrated the futility of life, love, and happiness that war brings. Frederick Henry and Robert Jordan are victims of different wars, falling in love amid the pressures war brings. Although both men were wounded by war, Henry’s injury led him to his love affair with Catherine Barkley, while Jordan’s injury rendered him unable to ride horseback to be with his love, Maria. Jordan is left to die, but it is his choice. Maria shouts, Let me stay! Let me stay!. but Jordan …