Syntax
"You see I've been leading a sort of a funny life. And I never even talk English. And you are so very beautiful."(20)
"We're going to have a strange life."(22)
"I kissed her and saw that her eyes were shut. I kissed both her shut eyes. I thought she was probably a little crazy. It was all right if she was. I did not care what I was getting into.
I will send Miss Barkley. You are better with her without me. You are purer and sweeter.(54)
"the coward dies a thousand deaths, the brave but one."(125)
"All thinking men are atheists."(4)
The syntax of a farewell to arms is, for the most part, a collection of short sentences. Not complex, it is easily understood, as the subject is often placed in the beginning of the sentence. The simple, often one subject and one predicate sentence adds to the pedestrian style and honest tone. These sentences are effective because they are only focus on one subject at a time, and thus they are given full attention. Complex, periodic, and loose sentences are not common, as Hemingway intends not too emphasize the presentation, instead the content. One of the prevalent syntax strategies Hemingway employs is repetition. He binds sentences with words such as “and” and “I”. This unites the sentence into a common idea. This is more effective than making it into one sentence because it gives significance to every short statement.
Yes George, it is true that most of the sentences throughout the story are simple and to the point. Although this may seem uninteresting to you it is actually one of the many things that contribute to Hemingway's style. I have also noted that Hemingway uses repetition gratuitously as you have stated and this can also be considered a style of Hemingway.
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