Symbolism In Hemingway's A Farewell To Arms

As a literary technique, symbolism in literature has a great tradition, and it plays an important role in Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms. The writer of this thesis attempts to analyze the novel by applying Frye's archetypal theory. The thesis mainly focuses on Hemingway's use of symbolism. As in other great novelists' novels, symbolism in A Farewell to Arms tends to be taken from nature and religion. There are four parts in this thesis. Part One is a brief introduction to the author, the novel, a comparatively exhaustive critical response to A Farewell to Arms, and the purposes of this study. Part Two is a brief introduction to the archetypal criticism, Frye's archetypal theory in particular, and distinction of some concepts. Part Three is a detailed analysis of Hemingway's use of symbolism taken from nature and religion. The writer of this thesis believes that Hemingway's use of symbolism is not accidental, but deliberate, intentional, and organic. The various symbols from nature not only intensify the cruelty of natural laws, but also foreshadow the fate of the main characters. At the same time, symbolism from Christianity is also one of the most extraordinary and striking elements in the novel. When we associate the main characters with the Biblical archetypes, we can have a better understanding of them, of the themes, and of the social significance of the novel. Part Four is the conclusion of the thesis. Through the thorough analyses, the writer holds that Hemingway's profuse use of symbolism makes a great contribution to the richness of the themes of fiction; it makes the capacities and the contents of the novel become rich; it also greatly influences Hemingway's characterization; and it provides us with a way to a better understanding of the author. Doubtless the fact that the novel becomes so popular and influential has a close connection with his abundant use of symbolism.