2nd Post: Love and Other Battlefield Injuries

                While working through the next hundred pages or so of Earnest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, I have begun to finally appreciate the way the love story is told.  Before reading I understood that a man was to fall in love with a woman in Italy during World War One, and once Catherine Barkley is detailed as a nurse I knew they would no doubt end up loving each other in a hospital.  I really do enjoy the way Hemingway slowly develops Henry as a character, along with the relationship in such a way that you aren't quite sure if Henry loves Catherine, or if she is just another outlet for his lust.  Part of this might be attributed to Catherine’s constant question throughout the story of “Do you love me?”  Henry always says yes, but it’s hard to understand if he is just comforting her or if he is being genuine.  With love as such a pivotal and entertaining point of the story, the priest’s definition is extremely relevant as he preaches to Henry on his hospital bed “When you love you wish to do things for.  You wish to sacrifice for.  You wish to serve” (72).  This quote reflects just the opposite of Henry’s attitude toward affection, as he really doesn't care for love or deep relationships as we see through the rest of his conversation with the priest.  What entertains me through all of this is the split nature of Henry, because if he was talking to Catherine he would definitely express his affection for her over and over.  I fear that there may be two Henry’s in this story: one who relaxes through sweet nothings with strangers while on leave, and one who does his job in the army to the best of his ability.  This alleged dual personality would not concern me save for the fact that Catherine Barkley is ridiculously attached to Henry.  With the priest’s definition of love falling perfectly into her voice, it is hard to predict what the next step in the relationship between Henry and Catherine will be.  Catherine expresses her love for Henry with a strong flame, as she tells him “I want what you want.  There isn't any me any more.  Just what you want” (106).  This shows Catherine’s undying will to serve Henry, which worries me because I am not sure if she is setting herself up to get burned or if Henry can really abide by his romantic promises to her.  This mystery is what keeps me turning pages and analyzing every conversation between them.  I truly believe that Henry is playing Catherine just as he’s played his other lustful pleasures while on leave.  I can hope for the best, but given the evidence of Henry’s honest conversation with the priest, I do not think there will be a clean end to this relationship.