Frederic Henry Hemingway Hero
In accordance with popular early twentieth century perception, the traditional "hero," in both life and literature demonstrated physical endurance, moral courage and stoicism. A glorified altruist, the definitive hero is a person of unusual strength and courage, who acts boldly on behalf of their friends and allies. ... Modern literature defines the hero with the same physical and mental attributes, but as also one who sacrifices ones power, or even life for others. The Hemingway Hero embellishes masculinity and advocates the physical qualities required to qualify heroic, however he is a vacuum regarding sentiment, and does not poccess mental courage and endurance. Although Hemingway endeavours to shape his protagonists into the mould of the traditional hero, many of them signifigantly lack the key heroic qualities. I feel that this is due to a character flaw in Hemingway himself. Fondly tagged " Papa Hemingway," he was " synonomous with the stereotypical notion of masculinity," and indeed his own lifestyle would suggest that this assertion was not an unfair remark. Frequently noted for his understated, masculine style, Hemingway lived a life dominated by masculine persuits, such as fishing, bullfighting and war; the latter obviously the theme employed in the prescribed text - "A farewell to arms. ... I concur that Hemingway could assume the role as the egotistical male, however I do not believe that there are misogynistic tendenceies in the text, nor is preferential treatment truely shown towards males. ... " Brought up by a "new age woman," Hemingways mother Grace demonstrated the qualities of an evolving female; the dominating of his two parents, Grace Hemingway was self-sufficient, independent and persued her own artistic and occupational interests in music and painting to her husbands detriment. Clarence Hemingway assumed the subordinant role as domesticator, which would have tradtitionally been reserved for females. Therefore, Ernest Hemingway himself was confused as to what the role of the female was - the passive, domesticated, subserviant figure, or the domineering, independent one. Instead, Hemingway "fashioned an ideal - at once modern and nostalgic - a reciprocity between the sexes. ... I believe that this ambiguous notion as to what femininity represented and stood for in society contributed to Hemingways creation of the Hemingway Hero. Hemingways Hero in "A farewell to arms," Frederic Henry is indeed one such flawed charchter, as he lacks the key requirements in order to qualify himself as a hero. ... However, I believe that these examples lead to the classification of Henry as a reactor as a opposed to an actor; it is the events which influencehim, instead of him influencing them - he does not consciously strive to act heroic in these situations,but rather finds himself reacting to consequence, and without emotional involvement, Frederic Henry represses his emotions.