References and Novel Information A Farewell to Arms References and Novel Information

Setting: Gorizia, Italy

Italy and World War I Before the war, Italy was aligned with Germany and Austria-Hungry. But when WWI started in 1914, they switched to align with Great Britain and France. By 1917, Italy was suffering massive loses at the hands of Germany and Austria. But eventually they broke through into Austrian territory in 1918 and they and the allies emerged victorious. Note that at the time of the story, the United States were not yet involved in WWI. The story starts in 1916, the United States eventually joins the war in 1917.

More Regarding the Setting We know a war is going on in the early stages of the novel but it doesn’t appear to be a very dangerous situation yet and in fact the war basically stops in the second chapter. This is because Frederic and the men are stationed in the mountains and with the snow, etc… both sides basically realize that the conditions and setting make it basically impossible to advance. So the war effectively shuts down until the spring – we see in chapter 2 and 3 that Frederic goes on leave (basically vacation) because there won’t be hardly any fighting or wounded throughout the winter.

Frederic Henry Frederic Henry (sometimes referred to as “Tenente”, i.e. “Lieutenant”) ambulance driver who has volunteered with the Italy Army. While this is slightly different to Hemingway’s situation, Frederic basically parallels Hemingway (though his experiences eventually differ from Hemingway’s real life situations). Judge to what extent Frederic (and/or other characters) is a typical Hemingway “Code Hero”.

Catherine Barkley Catherine is meant to parallel Hemingway’s real life first love, Agnes Von Kurowsky. In the story, she is a British nurse with the Red Cross. Her character is open to interpretation. Some critics have argued that her portrayal show that Hemingway was sexist and a misogynist (hates women). But many others argue the opposite – that she is in fact a strong, brave character. You judge for yourself as you read.

Frederic and Catherine We hear from Rinaldi (Frederic’s roommate and friend) that he’s in love with and will probably marry Catherine. But in reality he hardly knows her and is probably just infatuated with her looks. So when Frederic meets Catherine in chapter 4, Rinaldi realizes that she prefers Frederic and not himself and quickly moves on.

Frederic and Catherine When we (and Frederic) meet Catherine in chapter 4, she is still getting over the death of her fiancé who was killed in the war. The relationship between Frederic and Catherine is central to the novel. Note how Frederic feels about her early on and how his and their feelings progress as the story continues.

“Cholera” Referenced in the first chapter (“…with the rain came the cholera. But it was checked and in the end only seven thousand died of it in the army.”) Cholera is a bacterial infection usually transmitted from tainted water. It still kills many people world wide today (but not nearly as much as when the story is set in WWI).

“Bawdy House” “Bawdy houses” are referenced in chapter 2 and 3. They are basically houses of prostitution set up for the military men. Before meeting Catherine, Frederic Henry is a frequent visitor (along with most of his fellow officers). It’s mentions a few times in the early chapters how Frederic is going or at the bawdy house, Rinaldi mentions there are new prostitutes when Frederic gets back from leave, etc…

Important Characters Thus Far Frederic Henry Priest Rinaldi Catherine Barkley Helen Ferguson

Frederic and Catherine Get a visual of Catherine. The first time we are introduced to her (in chapter 4) she is described in the following way: “Miss Barkley was quite tall. She wore what seemed to me to be a nurse’s uniform, was blond and had tawny skin and gray eyes. I thought she was very beautiful” (p. 18).

Frederic and Catherine Read the passage of F. and C.’s second date from chapter 5 (pages 26 – 27 in my book) and then the next date in chapter 6 (p. 30 – 32). What is questionable or off-putting about how Frederic is treating Catherine and his approach to her/the possible relationship? Explain. How would you describe how Catherine is reacting to Frederic her? Why is acting this way?

The Hemingway Style Read the paragraph that begins chapter seven (page 33 in my book). How would you characterize the writing style found in this passage?

Frederic’s View of The War Here are a few passages from Frederic (Hemingway) regarding the war at this point in the novel: (from chapter 6, page 28): “We were supposed to wear steel helmets…but they were uncomfortable and too bloody theatrical.” (from chapter 6, page 32): “It was a hot night and there was a good deal going on up in the mountains. I watched the flashes on San Gabriele.” (from chapter 7, page 37): “…I knew I would not be killed. Not in this war. It did not have anything to do with me. It seemed not more dangerous to me myself than war in movies.” (from chapter 8, page 43): “I’m leaving now for a show up above Plava.” Describe how Frederic is viewing the way at this point in the novel and explain why he views it this way.

Book II The setting changes to Milan where it will stay throughout Book II. The novel focuses mostly on the relationship between Frederic and Catherine. Look at the hospital situation at the beginning of Book II (chapter 13, XIII). Why is the hospital and the first nurse so unprepared for Frederic’s arrival?

Book II – Chapter 14 (XIV) Frederic and Catherine are reunited in Chapter 14 (XIV). Describe his feelings towards her now. Contrast these feelings to how he felt about her when they first started dating. Why and how has he changed so drastically and quickly?

Book II – Chapter 15 (XV) Look at the group of doctors who examine Frederic at the beginning of chapter 15 (XV). What does Frederic think about them in terms of their competence, etc…? Explain. Contrast the group of doctors to Dr. Valentini who comes later in the chapter – how is he different?

Book II – Chapter 16 (XVI) Chapter 16 (XVI) shows Catherine and Frederic together. Look over this chapter and explain what is revealed about their individual personalities and their approaches to the relationship. Explain.

Book II – Chapter 17 (XVII) Between chapter 16 and 17 (XVII), Frederic has his leg operated on and it’s a success. From this point on in Book II, he will be rehabilitating his leg to get to the point he can be sent back to help with the war. On a daily basis, what’s does Catherine do? What does Frederic do? What is Miss Van Campen view of Frederic? What is Miss Gage implying at the end of the chapter?

Book II – Chapter 18 (XVIII) Chapter 18 again focuses on Frederic and Catherine together. How’s their relationship going at this point? Find a key passage or two that represents their bond.

Book II – Chapter 19 (XIX) How’s the war going for the Italians at this point? How’s Frederic health progressing at this point? We meet some of Frederic’s friends in this chapter. Ettore is describe as “…a legitimate hero who bored every one he met” (p. 124). Explain this description, what does Frederic/Hemingway mean? Our section ends with a bit of a foreboding tone. Describe what’s going on at the end of this chapter.

New Characters – Book II Miss Gage Miss Van Campen Dr. Valentini George Meyers Ettore Edgar Saunders Simmons