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Henry’s path to “greatness” was a long and rough one, and although he wasn’t a true hero until the end of the book, he did exhibit some heroic qualities earlier in the novel. For example, when Henry was injured and bedridden, he took a chance and elected to have his operation performed immediately. Any other soldier would have been thrilled if he had the chance to stay in bed for six months far away from the war, but Henry wouldn’t have it. This showed a certain amount of bravery and integrity as most soldiers wouldn’t have made any effort to come back at all. “I am very tired of this war. If I was away, I do not believe I would come back (Hemingway 165).” In addition, Henry showed a great deal of humility when it was made known to him that he would receive a medal of honor. He didn’t think he deserved it and hated that Rinaldi was pushing for it so hard. The events that preceded his injury even showed honor. No other officer would have risked their life the way he did for a slab of cheese; they simply would have sent someone else. Henry’s actions whether he believed so or not, were very honorable. What Henry experienced during this particular time significantly impacted him and helped him break away from the blueprint of the “average
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Before Henry met Catherine he was extremely selfish. This was simply because everything was about him; whatever Henry wanted, Henry got. This is plainly noticeable in the beginning of the book when he goes on his leave. On his leave, he indulged himself and failed to think of anything but his needs. That is the true reason he never made it to Abruzzi. Everything changed after he met Catherine though. Henry fell in love, and he learned to care for someone besides himself. He learned that what other people want matters and that, sometimes, you need to put other people’s needs in front of your own. “When you love you wish to do things for. You wish to sacrifice for. You wish to serve (Hemingway 72).” Catherine made Henry to a complete 180. She made him want to build himself into a better person. Henry was better around Catherine, and it is indubitable that without her, Henry would never have become the exemplary man he was at the end of the
Before Henry met Catherine he was extremely selfish. This was simply because everything was about him; whatever Henry wanted, Henry got. This is plainly noticeable in the beginning of the book when he goes on his leave. On his leave, he indulged himself and failed to think of anything but his needs. That is the true reason he never made it to Abruzzi. Everything changed after he met Catherine though. Henry fell in love, and he learned to care for someone besides himself. He learned that what other people want matters and that, sometimes, you need to put other people’s needs in front of your own. “When you love you wish to do things for. You wish to sacrifice for. You wish to serve (Hemingway 72).” Catherine made Henry to a complete 180. She made him want to build himself into a better person. Henry was better around Catherine, and it is indubitable that without her, Henry would never have become the exemplary man he was at the end of the