Chapter 18
In chapter 18 of A Farewell to Arms, Hemingway depicts a period of happiness and intimacy between Lieutenant Henry and Catherine Barkley, as the couple is portrayed enjoying leisurely rides in a carriage, relishing the sensation of their hands touching. The chapter begins on page 119, where the narrator states, “We had a lovely time that summer… If we let our hands touch, just the side of my hand touching hers, we were.” As Henry recovers from his injury, they savor dinners at various restaurants, appreciating the little pleasures amidst war. Their love grows, and they find joy in small gestures of affection, sharing tender moments.
Chapter 19
Chapter 19 focuses on Lieutenant Henry as he reflects on his days of recovery and rehabilitation in Milan. Even though he describes the hot summer and the victories in the papers, Henry focuses on his progress in recovery. As he states, “Then I started treatments at the Ospedale Maggiore for bending the knees, mechanical treatments, baking in a box of mirrors with violet rays, massage, and baths,” it is clear to understand the overwhelming treatments he had to undergo to recover. However, the chapter ends with Catherine expressing her fear of the rain while Henry reassures her of his love and protection.
Chapter 20
This chapter explores the theme of the juxtaposition between pleasure and corruption. As the book proceeds, Henry and his love interest, Catherine, along with their friends Ferguson and Crowell Rodgers, attend a horse race at San Siro. They bet on a horse named Japalac, which wins, but Ferguson states, “It’s crooked and disgusting,” meaning they discovered that the racing is corrupted. Later, they ran another horse named Light For Me, which did not win. The chapter contrasts the enjoyment and camaraderie of the characters’ experience at the races and the underlying corruption that taints the sport.
Chapter 21
Chapter 21 showcases the significant love bond between Henry and Catherine. While the section touches on the raging war that could have broken their relationship, Henry and Catherine stand by their course, which is evident in Henry’s receipt of convalescent leave after completing his training. Moreover, this is when they learn they will be parents as Catherine confesses, “I’m going to have a baby, darling.” Even though they were worried about their future, Henry reassured Catherine that they would face the tricky situation as a team.
Chapter 22
The primary theme in this chapter is the conflict between authority and personal freedom. Henry’s nurse, Miss Van Campen, discovers empty brandy bottles and accuses him of alcoholism, leading to the cancellation of his convalescent leave. This leads to further altercation as Henry engages in a heated exchange with Miss Van Campen, defending his actions. Even when Miss Gage helps him dispose of the bottles, as shown on page 155, Gage states, “I’ve told you a hundred times to clear out those bottles… where are they now?” Henry’s leave is still revoked.
Chapter 23
As Chapter 23 unfolds, he plans to return to the upcoming war, World War I, while cherishing the precious moments he spent with Catherine in Milan. The chapter proceeds, illustrating that they savor a delightful meal in a cozy hotel room, basking in the feeling of a home they have created. As Catherine indicates, “We have such a fine time,“ meaning they are experiencing great happiness and love. Their discussions veer toward their plans and the anticipation of welcoming their baby. However, they still bid farewell, knowing they will deeply miss each other’s company.
Chapter 24
When the war Henry contemplates in chapter 23 commences, this chapter unfolds his journey in the battle. The chapter, therefore, begins as he bids farewell to Catherine, indicated by when he says, “Good-bye…Take good care of yourself and young Catherine,“ boards a crowded train, and finds himself standing in the corridor for the entire trip. Despite the discomfort, he sleeps through most of the night, briefly waking at Brescia and Verona as more men board the train. The chapter provides a vivid glimpse into the harsh realities of wartime transportation and the crowded, uncomfortable conditions soldiers endure.
Chapter 25
Even though other concepts also emerge in this chapter, the primary message is to reveal the camaraderie among soldiers and the various coping mechanisms they employ to deal with the harsh realities of war. Henry returns to Gorizia and meets up with his friend Rinaldi, with whom he shares a lively, slightly tipsy dinner and converses about their love lives. Amidst the camaraderie, the toll of the war becomes apparent; the major appears tired, and Rinaldi hints at the emotional burden of his work as a surgeon. Even Rinaldi emphasizes that “This war is terrible.“ Despite the hardships, the soldiers find solace in their friendships and the shared experiences they have.
Chapter 26
The theme of war is also deeply ingrained in chapter 26, resonating throughout the narrative as an ever-present specter. Henry’s debate with the Italian priest is an excellent example of how different characters have different perspectives on the meaning of conflict. The priest expresses optimism that the war will soon be over when he says, “I do not know, but I do not think it can go on much longer.” However, Henry is still doubtful, saying, “No one ever stopped when they were winning,“ highlighting that the Austrians would continue fighting even after their successes. They discuss how losing affects the mentality of soldiers and how Henry uses sleep to escape the horrors of battle.
Chapter 27
Even though war remains the core subject in this chapter, Henry and his companions prepare to change the course as they plan to retreat from the Bainsizza, where they had been stationed during the war. In addition, the chapter depicts their experiences during the retreat, including encountering an empty town, witnessing soldiers leaving, and seeing girls from a whorehouse being evacuated. “We’ll have a hell of a trip…,“ Henry said. At the core of the chapter lies a reflection on the harsh realities of war and the resilience of the soldiers as they face uncertain times during the retreat.
Chapter 28
In Chapter 28 of A Farewell to Arms, the main characters find themselves amidst a rainy and dark retreat, with troops and vehicles clogging the main road. The narrator proves this by stating, “The road was muddy, the ditches at the side were high with water…“ Faced with slow progress and numerous stops, Henry, accompanied by fellow soldiers, decides to take a side road to bypass the congestion. The chapter delves into their encounters with deserted farmhouses, sharing sparse meals, and navigating the challenging journey through the rain-soaked fields in search of an alternate path to Udine.
Chapter 29
This chapter explores Henry and his team’s journey, focusing on how the rough terrain complicated their path at approximately ten kilometers from Udine. The narrator indicates, “At noon, we were stuck in a muddy road about, as nearly as we could figure…“ When a car gets hopelessly stuck, tensions rise between Henry and the two sergeants. A confrontation ensues, leading to a dramatic decision, and eventually, they decide to leave the vehicles behind and continue on foot toward Udine. Throughout their journey, they engage in discussions, share laughter, and reveal their political beliefs, showing a mix of emotions and camaraderie amidst the challenging circumstances.
Chapter 30
Like the critical information presented in the previous section, Chapter 30 follows Henry and his group as they continue their journey, facing dangers and uncertainties amidst the chaotic retreat during the war. As the narrator illustrates that “We did not see any troops; only abandoned trucks and stores,“ it is clear to conclude that the journey was lonely. They encounter abandoned trucks, bridges blown up, and the constant threat of being shot at. Characterized by intense themes of battle and its consequences, the chapter highlights the grim realities of war and the continuous uncertainty that hangs over their heads.
Chapter 31
Chapter 31 offers insight into multiple themes around war’s brutality and chaos. The primary message it conveys is the protagonist’s desperate struggle for survival and its profound impact on human lives. The narrator states, “I thought then I would drown because of my boots, but I thrashed and fought through the water, and when I looked up, the bank was coming toward me, and I kept thrashing and swimming in a heavy-footed panic until I reached it.“ In this sentence, the protagonist’s determination to survive is evident as he resolutely fights against the current, refusing to succumb to fear or despair.
Chapter 32
The theme in Chapter 32 depicts a sense of loss and disconnection, and Henry struggles to cope with the aftermath of war. As he illustrates, “Anger has washed away in the river along with any obligation. Although that ceased when the Carabiniere put his hands on my collar, “his emotions are portrayed as fleeting and quickly overshadowed by external circumstances. However, the mention of the river washing away Anger symbolizes the passage of time and the war’s effect on his emotional state.
Reference
Hemingway, E. (1929). A farewell to arms. Charles Scribner’s Sons.