Masculinity In Ernest Hemingway's A Farewell To Arms

The shift in societal views following the First World War towards gender roles and identity influenced the writings and beliefs of Ernest Hemingway. One of the major changes occurs in the horrors and destruction found in trench warfare which damage the masculine “ideal of the autonomous, heroic warrior” (Bonds 1). Likewise, changes occur when women assume the jobs of men and abandon old ideals where women care for the house. Such shifts challenge the thinking of many, including Hemingway who struggles to conform either way showing belief in both patricidal views and mixing of gender roles. Furthermore, the strong masculinity of Hemingway and his beliefs finds rooting in his code hero, which lays out the ideas of what makes a man a man. Often …show more content…
Regardless, the overall actions of Santiago represent the essence of what being a code hero means. Likewise, Hemingway continues to highlight the masculinity found in the code hero by depicting heroes of war who show great strength. The exploitation of war heroes occurred often following the war since many want to remind the world of the power of masculine strength in a time of confusion and change. Such exploitations appears in A Farewell to Arms where Hemingway describes a “wet,” “dead” landscape and “terrible” conditions of which the war took place (Hemingway). By depicting the treacherous conditions of which the soldiers endure, Hemingway contributes in aiding the masculine image and gains respect for the soldiers who persevere through a difficult situation. Even though Hemingway demonstrates his masculine identity and belief, he contradicts himself and allows further postwar changes to influence his idea of changing gender roles. The relationship between Catherine and Frederic in Farewell observes how Hemingway shifts tone and allows for the “tempering of a masculine vision of love”