Heroine Apparent

Critics have described Catherine Barkley as the one-dimensional characterization of a woman “of her time” excessively dependent, defenseless, romantic, without a clear identity, a reflection. On the contrary, Barkley is a multi-dimensional character, exemplifying the epitome of an intelligent, philosophical woman, capable of unconditional love yet adept at protecting herself. Barkley is a realistic romantic and as Frederick Henry describes her “brave…” (140). In the midst of a war, Catherine Barkley and Frederick Henry fall in love. Much of her life focuses on pleasing her lover; yet she is pragmatic, aware that each day may be their last. Never the victim, rather the teacher, and the heroine, Barkley reminds Henry that they must make the most of their life together, of each moment, because love after death is nonexistent.

Barkley’s existentialist ideology significantly influences Henry’s thoughts and actions. Because of his love for Barkley, his implicit trust in her, and his desire for a strict moral code, he adopts her beliefs. In particular, she teaches Henry to question war and abstract concepts such as honor used to endorse war: “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” (185). Abstract concepts used to glorify war, repulse Henry. At its inception, war is deficient of glory and honor. Those sacrificed in war, the dead, are nothing more than “meat” to be buried, eventually a faded memory. Abstractions will not change this fact.

Because Henry incorporates Barkley’s existentialist ideology into his own belief system, he appears to cope with the ultimate loss, her death “it was like saying good-by to a statue” (332). Certainly, Barkley could have seduced Henry into thinking he would not survive without her, tethered to her in death. Instead, Barkley acts as Henry’s mentor; through Barkley, he accepts the fact that abstract concepts are the antithesis of death; death is a finite factor. Because of the depth of their love and trust of one another, Henry accepts the reality of her demise and leaves Barkley. Again, Barkley’s guidance and love for Henry thrust her into the role of heroine, as his protector; with great courage and strength, she gives to Henry even in death. Again, this type of behavior refutes her depiction as a manipulative, dependent femme fatale. A woman with this character structure would not have the inner strength to offer a gift such as this to her lover.

At times, it seems as if Henry and Barkley are enveloped in death. In the heart of the first mechanized war, they fall in love. Barkley, a nurse, and Henry, an ambulance driver, care for those confronting death. Barkley acts as a catalyst for Henry. Coping with the death of her fiancй, Barkley instructs Henry through her example. Stoically, Barkley accepts the recent death of her fiancй and with surprising effortlessness continues to persevere. When she speaks of the impact that the death of her fiancй has on their relationship, Barkley simply states, “and that was the end of it of course…” (19) Initially, Barkley’s stoicism bewilders Henry. In truth, she presents him with an effective coping strategy. Given the circumstances of war and the prevalence of death that confronts Barkley and Henry, she offers and models a philosophy, which accepts the inevitability of one’s demise and the need for an intense appreciation of life. Glaring intellect and a clear sense of identity permeates Catherine Barkley’s character, countering the accusation that she is a one-dimensional character, a submissive reflection. Unmistakably, she defines herself as a woman intolerant of manipulation, longing for honesty and fearless.

Some critics have portrayed Barkley as a dependent woman, infatuated with love: “There isn’t any me. I’m you.” (115) and content with pregnancy: “I am having a child and that makes me contented to do nothing” (140). Obviously, she is woman desirous of a relationship, acutely aware of the circumstances in which this love has evolved. She resists her dependence on Henry redefining this dependence throughout the novel. Barkley allows herself to trust Henry; however, she is aware that unlike many couples, they are confronted daily with the possibility of death. Although she appears to need this relationship, she protects herself by controlling her dependency. Henry, on the other hand, is addicted to this relationship because it presents him with a protective structure; he cannot control his dependence on Barkley. Henry’s relationship with Barkley protects him from thinking: “Oh Cat. You don’t know how crazy I am about you” (298). Obsessed with Barkley, Henry has little time to think about the dead and injured he transports. Because his reality is so grim, he prefers to act and depends on Barkley to think. In fact, she has provided