Examine the style and language in ll.1-30. What effect does it have on the reader?

This passage presents a stream of consciousness of the protagonist Frederic Henry. By presenting Henry’s thoughts Hemingway reveals Henry’s negative attitude towards the baby. The passage is introduced by the exclamation “Poor, poor dear cat”. This already shows all the worries and concerns of Henry with regard to his wife and the birth of the baby. The exclamation in l.9 “Get away hell” introduces a part where Hemingway uses lots of repetitions. It becomes clear that Henry wonders if Catherine might die. By repeating the rhetorical question “But what if she should die? She won’t die.” Hemingway creates a very dramatic atmosphere. The reader learns that Henry is very pessimistic and always considers the worst. As he is so frightened about his wife he speaks of the baby as a “by-product of good nights in Milan”(l.26).This metaphor used by Hemingway emphasizes Henry’s attitude towards the baby once more. It also makes clear to the reader that Henry completely rejects the baby and considers it an object which only causes trouble and pain for his wife.

by Martin/Ernesto