A Farewell to Arms
What is A Farewell to Arms about?
A Farewell to Arms (1929) is Ernest Hemingway’s novel of love and war set on the Italian front during World War I. American ambulance driver Frederic Henry falls in love with English nurse Catherine Barkley against the backdrop of the brutal fighting on the Isonzo River. Their affair deepens as Henry becomes disillusioned with the war, culminating in his desertion and their flight to Switzerland. The novel’s spare, powerful prose and its devastating ending make it one of the greatest war novels in the English language.
Main themes in A Farewell to Arms
World War I
The presence of world war i in A Farewell to Arms connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Love and war
Love and war emerges as a defining element in A Farewell to Arms, shaping character development.
Italian front
The theme of italian front weaves through A Farewell to Arms, adding depth to its narrative.
Disillusionment
In A Farewell to Arms, disillusionment provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Why A Farewell to Arms is still relevant today
A Farewell to Arms remains one of the defining novels of World War I and a masterpiece of Hemingway’s restrained, powerful prose. Read it free online on TextStack.
More by this author
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Farewell to Arms about?
An American ambulance driver on the Italian front falls in love with an English nurse as he becomes disillusioned with World War I, culminating in desertion and tragedy.
Where can I read A Farewell to Arms online?
You can read A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway free online on TextStack.