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Genre
Literary war novel
Point of View
Henry narrates the story in the first person but sometimes switches to the second person during his more philosophical reflections. Henry relates only what he sees and does and only what he could have learned of other characters from his experiences with them.
Tone
As the autobiographical nature of the work suggests, Hemingway’s apparent attitude toward the story is identical to that of the narrator.
Tense
Past
Setting
1916–1918, in the middle of World War I, in Italy and Switzerland
Foreshadowing
Catherine’s conviction that dreadful things are going to occur; the rainfall that scares her in the night; the doctor’s warning that Catherine’s hips are narrow; Henry’s musing on how life kills the good, the gentle, and the brave
Major Conflict
While there is no single, clear-cut conflict, friction does arise when Henry’s love for Catherine cannot quell his innate restlessness.
Rising Action
Henry and Catherine’s flirtatious games prepare and sometimes foreshadow their love for each other; their last days together before Henry’s return to the front zero in on the demands of love versus Henry’s life outside his relationship with Catherine.
Climax
Broadly speaking, the Italian retreat, but more specifically, Henry’s capture and near-execution by the battle police
Falling Action
Henry’s decision to flee and quit the army marks his farewell to arms and his commitment to Catherine.
