Theme In Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell To Arms

Theme in A Farewell to Arms
There are many literary elements an author creates in pieces of writing. An important technique that every writing has is theme. There are also many literary techniques used to develop the theme, such as foreshadowing, diction, and imagery. In A Farewell to Arms, Ernest Hemingway demonstrates the unforeseeable reality of war through similes, horrific imagery, and the first person perspective to develop the theme fear is found among all soldiers.
In A Farewell to Arms, Ernest Hemingway demonstrates the unforeseeable reality of war to develop the theme fear is found among all soldiers. Through the use of similes, Hemingway describes soldiers’ initial reactions to uncertain events while in war. For example, Hemingway writes, “There was a cough, a noise like a railway engine starting and then an explosion that shook the earth again,” (54). By comparing the blast to an engine, Hemingway describes how unexpected it was. The sound of a railway engine can be frightening if it is not
Hemingway uses the first person perspective to develop the thoughts of soldiers while in an attack. For example, Hemingway writes, “I went out swiftly, all of myself, and I knew I was dead and that it had been a mistake to think you just died,” (54). Hemingway utilizes Frederic’s initial thought of death to explain how a soldier will experience a strong sense of confusion, therefore creating fear. The use of the first person perspective allows Frederic’s thoughts of death to be seen and understood. There is no way his feelings can be portrayed other than through his thoughts. The unforeseeable reality of war is demonstrated through soldier’s initial reactions and thoughts in a moment of panic. In conclusion, Hemingway’s use of the first person perspective allows the theme fear is found among all soldiers to be