the "code hero" in A Farewell to Arms, and Atticus as a hero in To Kill A Mockingbird

An analysis of the Hemingway "code hero" in A Farewell to Arms, and considering Atticus as a hero in To Kill A Mockingbird.

The idea of heroism is often explored in literature. The works of Ernest Hemingway, including the novel A Farewell to Arms, feature “code heroes” adhering to a specific set of ideals despite great pain and difficulty. Heroes in the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee demonstrate courage in the face of overwhelming adversity. In both cases, the heroes adhere to their ideals depsite enormous challenges.

The Hemingway “code hero” demonstrates composure and adheres to his or her ideals even while facing the harsh realities of the world. A code hero understands the reality of “nada” (nothingness) that is the core of Hemingway’s writing; the essence of nada is that life has no purpose or meaning. The lack of purpose and meaning that is key to nada also means that human lives are dictated by chance. As part of his or her understanding of nada, a Hemingway code hero has no religion or belief in an afterlife, instead living fully while alive. Code heroes experience meaningless losses that serve to emphasize the random nature of nada. Rather than despair at his or her knowledge of nada, however, a Hemingway code hero seeks pleasure and happiness, living his or her life while alive. A code hero’s efforts are eventually rendered meaningless by death, the culmination of the forces of nada. Hemingway code heroes maintain dignity and self-control under pressure.

Catherine Barkley, the female lead of A Farewell to Arms, demonstrates many of the qualities of a Hemingway code hero. Catherine seeks pleasure and gratification following the death of her fiancée; she begins her relationship with Frederic Henry well before the two are well acquainted. Catherine has no religious beliefs, claiming instead that Henry is her religion. Catherine has experienced great loss, giving her an understanding of the concept of nada and motivating her to actively seek gratification and pleasure in life. Her death reflects the inevitable victory of nada over the code hero; before she dies, she says that the world has “broken” her, reflecting that her pursuit of her ideals has been crushed by the forces of nada. Catherine’s pursuit of pleasure and happiness despite an overwhelming specter of death demonstrate the key qualities of a Hemingway code hero.

In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird, heroes fight in support of their beliefs and demonstrate courage in the face of enormous adversity. The heroes in To Kill A Mockingbird accept and support the maligned members of society. These heroes firmly believe in egalitarianism, viewing no person as superior to any other regardless of class, race, or gender. Harper Lee’s heroes recognize and understand the faults of humanity and the faults of the world; rather than accept these faults, however, the characters work to eradicate them and improve the world. Even when their attempts to improve the world are opposed, these heroes continue to work to better the ills of society and humanity.

Atticus Finch exemplifies the ideals of heroism in To Kill A Mockingbird. He takes on the case of Tom Robinson despite knowing that he has no chance of winning in an effort to give Tom the best outcome possible; Atticus also accepts the maligned Boo Radley, helping others learn to do the same. Even as he receives death threats, Atticus continues with Tom Robinson’s case, knowing that it is a moral imperative for him. Atticus recognizes the faults of humanity and society but maintains an egalitarian view, reflecting the equality and egalitarianism of Harper Lee’s heroes. He uses this egalitarian view as his basis for working towards an improved world; Atticus works in support of his ideals of justice and equality.

Literature often discusses the topic of heroism. Ernest Hemingway uses code heroes, heroes who followed a courageous set of ideals despite the constant specter of death. Harper Lee’s heroes fight for their beliefs and ideals, including justice and equality, even when their ideals are rejected by mainstream society. In both A Farewell to Arms and To Kill A Mockingbird, the heroes persevere despite enormous challenges.