In conclusion to our study of A Farewell to Arms, you will each complete a portfolio of
three short essays (1.5 to 2.5 pages). You will have four class periods to complete this
assignment. I expect that you use as much time as needed at home; however, I don’t think
this should exceed three hours.
ESSAY 1: Choose from one of the three options, or compose a topic of your own to
respond to the novel directly.
a. Explore the symbolic use of rain throughout Hemingway’s novel. What is the effect of
this symbol on the novel’s tone? How does Hemingway help us to understand the
significance of the symbol?
b. Analyze and explain Frederic’s isolation in A Farewell to Arms. How does his isolation
shape your understanding of him as a character; how is it revealed through the narrative
voice; how does his isolation help you understand the novel’s tragic ending?
c. Hemingway has been accused of being sexist and of lacking the ability to write a round
female character. In your opinion, is Catherine a round, believable character? Why or
why not? Explore her role in the novel.
d. Explore the notion of the love game between Catherine and Frederic. How does the
game change (and the stakes of the game)? How does the game change the participants?
Why is it called a game? What does it have to do with the war game?
ESSAY 2:
Compare the notion of heroism in A Farewell to Arms and All Quiet on The Western
Front. Use examples of specific characters and moments in each story to support your
ideas.
Compare the final images from A Farewell to Arms and All Quiet On The Western Front.
How do these moments relate to the overall meaning of each of these stories.
Write an essay about the relationship between officers and the soldiers using examples
from A Farewell To Arms and All Quiet On The Western Front.
ESSAY 3:
Choose one of the war poems that we have studied. Write an expository essay explaining
the meaning of the poem through an analysis of language and poetic devices. Relate the
meaning of the poem to an idea in A Farewell to Arms.