Farewell to Arms is a novel written by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1929. It is a love story set against the backdrop of World War I and is considered one of Hemingway's finest works. The novel follows the story of Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver serving in the Italian army, and his love affair with Catherine Barkley, an English nurse. Throughout the novel, Hemingway uses a variety of quotes to convey the themes of love, war, and loss.
One of the most famous quotes from Farewell to Arms is, "The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places." This quote speaks to the idea that war has the power to shatter people's lives, both physically and emotionally. It suggests that those who survive the horrors of war are made stronger by the experience, even if it has left them broken. This quote also highlights the idea that strength can come from suffering and that even in the darkest of times, there is a chance for growth and resilience.
Another poignant quote from Farewell to Arms is, "I was always embarrassed by the words sacred, glorious, and sacrifice and the expression in vain. We had heard them, sometimes standing in the rain almost out of earshot, so that only the shouted words came through, and had read them, on proclamations that were slapped up by billposters over other proclamations, now for a long time, and I had seen nothing sacred, and the things that were glorious had no glory and the sacrifices were like the stockyards at Chicago if nothing was done with the meat except to bury it." This quote highlights the disillusionment and cynicism that many soldiers felt towards the war and the rhetoric used to justify it. It suggests that the sacrifices made by soldiers were often in vain and that the ideals of honor and glory were empty and meaningless in the face of the brutal realities of war.
A third quote from Farewell to Arms that stands out is, "Love is never wrong." This quote speaks to the power of love to transcend even the most difficult of circumstances. It suggests that love is a force that can bring light into the darkness and bring hope and happiness even in the face of tragedy and loss. This quote also highlights the idea that love is a fundamental human need and that it is something that should be celebrated and cherished.
In conclusion, Farewell to Arms is a powerful novel that explores the themes of love, war, and loss through a series of poignant and thought-provoking quotes. These quotes serve to illustrate the complexity and depth of these themes and to shed light on the human experience of war and love.