Henry and the Priest
Masculinity, heroism, and war are often themes in Ernest Hemingway’s novels, and although evident in his A Farewell to Arms, these things are secondary. Set in Italy during World War I, A Farewell to Arms tells the story of a young man’s self-realization. With the use of other characters, Hemmingway’s protagonist, Frederic Henry, experiences life-changing events that cause him to question such things as faith, hope, and love. The one man Henry can talk with about these things is known only as the priest. In A Farewell to Arms, the priest is not only a religious leader, but also a friend and advisor to Frederic Henry. As well, he is the only man Henry seems to know that believes in and is devoted to God. Much of Henry’s character is revealed by the relationship he has with the priest. The first time the reader meets the priest is in the second chapter. Entering the mess hall where Henry and other soldiers are eating, he is described as a young man that blushes easily. The priest is immediately taunted by one of the other soldiers, but Henry remains quiet, smiling at him “across the candle light” (page 8). This short, descriptive interaction reveals a gentle relationship. Disregarding the others’ comments, th . . .
Immediately, Henry notices weariness about the priest, “What’s the matter, father? You seem very tired” (page 70). At every encounter, there is almost true insight, but the conversation always falls short, (as do the conversations Henry has with all other characters). It is this relationship that reveals Henry’s true character. Throughout the book, he meets with the priest, but never says what he really needs to. This chapter ends with the last word they will ever say to each other “ciaou!” The only genuine relationship Frederic Henry has in A Farewell to Arms is with the priest. At this point, the reader grasps the friendship between the two men. After hearing that Henry had been discharged from the hospital and will be returning to the front, the priest comes to visit him. The conversation almost gets meaningful when the priest asks, “What do you believe in?” (page 179). ” Later in this paragraph, the reader begins to understand the confusion and urgency for guidance Henry is experiencing. Yet, even with this honest concern, Henry cannot open himself fully. The priest’s response initiates a conversation that reveals feelings of perplexity. This exchange is very significant, but a feeling of neglect lingers as the chapter ends. The priest and Henry’s next meeting is their last. Henry’s confusion is still evident, but now the priest’s own uncertainty becomes palpable. Hemingway illustrates the uniqueness of the relationship between the two at the beginning of the second paragraph on page 13 by writing, “we two were talking while the others argued.
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