A Farewell to Arms · Chapter
II explained
Frederic Henry reflects on the victories and the changed landscape of war in Gorizia, where the fighting has moved to the next mountains.
What happens
Frederic Henry reflects on the victories and the changed landscape of war in Gorizia, where the fighting has moved to the next mountains. The chapter depicts the social dynamics in the officers' mess, including the baiting of the young priest by the captain, discussions about leave destinations, and the onset of snow signaling the end of the year's offensives.
Themes in this chapter
War and Disillusionment
The narrative contrasts the initial victories with the grim reality of destroyed forests, snow-covered trenches, and the stalled offensive, highlighting the futility and changing nature of war.
Religion and Faith
The priest is a central figure, subjected to mockery and atheistic remarks by the officers, yet he maintains his dignity and offers a vision of a peaceful, traditional life in Abruzzi.
Masculinity and Identity
The officers' banter, including the captain's finger game about rank and the baiting of the priest, reflects performances of masculinity and camaraderie within the military hierarchy.
Characters to notice
- Frederic Henry
Narrator and protagonist, observing the war's progress and participating in mess banter.
- The Priest
Young priest who is teased by the captain but remains good-natured; invites Frederic to visit his family in Abruzzi.
- Rinaldi
Friend who pounds on the window to attract the priest's attention; present in the mess.
Key passages
“The forest of oak trees on the mountain beyond the town was gone. The forest had been green in the summer when we had come into the town but now there were the stumps and the broken trunks and the ground torn up”
The oak forest that once covered the mountain was completely destroyed, leaving only stumps and torn earth, a stark contrast to the green it had been when they first arrived.
Illustrates the environmental devastation of war and the passage of time.
“The captain spoke pidgin Italian for my doubtful benefit, in order that I might understand perfectly, that nothing should be lost.”
The captain used broken Italian so that I, the narrator, would fully grasp his teasing of the priest without missing any detail.
Shows the captain's deliberate cruelty and the social dynamics in the mess.