Henry From

“He had not had it, but he understood that I had really wanted to go to Abruzzi, but had not gone and we were still friends, with many tastes alike, but with the difference between us.” They were friends, but even further, they were a part of each other. In A Farewell to Arms, Ernest Hemingway creates Frederic Henry to be a combination of Lieutenant Rinaldi and the Priest. Although Henry strives to be more like the Priest, Rinaldi is very much a part of him. No one can truly know Hemingway’s intention for this was. However, I believe he used it to show how differences could come together peacefully, and create something good, in relation to the war that was taking place.

The differences in the two characters chosen to make up the personality of Henry, allow his traits to have a wide range of possibilities. Hemingway shows Rinaldi and the Priest’s opposite behavioral characteristics throughout the story. Although they are similar in being Henry’s friends, they are quite dissimilar. While Rinaldi is spontaneous, tainted, wild, and has the appearance of being shallow, the Priest is thoughtful, pure, reserved, and it is not as easy to discern his character. In the beginning of the story, the Priest advises Henry to go to Abruzzi to visit “his” parents, and witness the beauty of the town. On the other hand Rinaldi tells Henry that he should go and tour Italy since it is “fun” and ha can go after women. The manner in which both characters advise Henry also seems to differ. I think that while Rinaldi seems to, more or less, influence Henry, the Priest appears to guide him. The polar personalities of these characters were intentionally done so.

Hemingway uses their differences to create a good result. Henry (the result) receives traits from both characters. Although most are beneficial some that are not desirable are apparent as well. Frederic Henry is shown as a passionate, tolerant and