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'''A Farewell to Arms''' is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Ernest Hemingway in 1929. Much of the novel was written at the home of Hemingway's in-laws in Piggott, Arkansas. The novel is told through the point of view of Lieutenant Frederic Henry, an American serving as an ambulance driver in the Italian army during World War I.

Contents

Plot summary

Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

External links

Plot summary

The novel is divided into five books. In the first book, Henry meets Catherine Barkley and their relationship begins. While at the front, Henry is wounded in the knee by a mortar shell and sent to a hospital in Milan. The second book shows the growth of their relationship as they spend time together in Milan over the summer. Henry falls in love with Catherine, and by the time he is healed, Catherine is three months pregnant. In the third book, Henry returns to his unit, but not long after, the Germans break through the Italian lines, and the Italians retreat. After falling behind and catching up again, Henry is pulled out of the crowd, to where officers are interrogated and executed. However, Henry escapes by jumping into a river. In the fourth book, Catherine and Henry reunite and flee to Switzerland. In the final book, Henry and Catherine live a quiet life in the mountains until she goes into labor. After a painful labor, their son is stillborn. Catherine begins to hemorrhage and soon dies, leaving Henry to return to their hotel in the rain.

Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

★ A Farewell to Arms (1932 film)
:A film adaptation of the same name was made in 1932, and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was written by Oliver H.P. Garrett and Benjamin Glazer, from the Hemingway novel, was directed by Frank Borzage, and features the music of Richard Wagner. The movie stars Helen Hayes, Gary Cooper and Adolphe Menjou.

★ A Farewell to Arms (1957 film)
:The film was remade with the same title in 1957, starring Jennifer Jones, Rock Hudson and Vittorio De Sica and was directed by Charles Vidor and John Huston. De Sica was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in this version.

★ In Love and War (1996 film)
:Directed by Richard Attenborough, this film is a more biographical work, based on the same background as ''A Farewell to Arms''.

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