A Farewell to Arms

Next to visit Frederic is the priest. He comes at dusk and immediately says he can’t stay long. The priest is repeatedly described as looking "tired" (60). He has brought him mosquito netting, vermouth, and English newspapers. They share their feelings about the war. The priest tells him he hates the war and that Frederic cannot truly see how awful it is. He sees people as divided into those who want war and those who do not but are forced into it by the first group.

The priest then discusses his desire to return to his hometown, Abruzzi, where he can love God. He asks if Frederic loves God, and Frederic says, “I am afraid of Him in the night sometimes” (62). He also claims not to love much. The priest tells him that love is about sacrifice and serving.

Frederic finds out that he will be transferred to an American hospital newly opened in Milan. They need the beds for the next offensive, and Frederic is eager to go. The night before he leaves, the major and Rinaldi visit, discussing the American entrance into the war. They ask Frederic if the Americans, now that they have declared war on Germany, will also declare war on Austria. Frederic assures them, yes, they will. Next, they ask about Turkey, and Frederic jokes no, because turkey is a favorite at Thanksgiving, but the joke does not translate. They go on to discuss other countries that the Americans can fight, but the drinking makes the conversation become absurd. When Frederic mentions he doesn’t like Rome, the others challenge him until they all agree they should visit Rome, “the mother and father of nations” (66), which Rinaldi takes issue with since Rome is considered feminine. Rinaldi later reveals that Catherine will also be going to Milan as well to work at the American hospital because there are too many women currently at the front. As the night progresses, the men get drunker and louder until they are repeatedly asked to be quiet.

The next day he leaves for Milan, arriving two days later. Frederic is able to get alcohol while the train is stopped, and he gets drunk with the man next to him. He becomes sick later on.