A Farewell to Arms · Chapter
Chapter X explained
Rinaldi visits Frederic in the field hospital, bringing cognac and news of a potential medal.
What happens
Rinaldi visits Frederic in the field hospital, bringing cognac and news of a potential medal. He teases Frederic about his priest and Catherine, and their banter reveals their close but combative friendship. After Rinaldi leaves, Frederic rests in the hot, fly-filled ward.
Themes in this chapter
Masculinity and Identity
Rinaldi and Frederic's banter explores male bonding, rivalry, and notions of bravery and sexual conquest.
War and Disillusionment
The casual discussion of medals and wounds contrasts with the grim reality of injury and the absurdity of heroic acts.
Courage and Cowardice
Frederic's modesty about his actions and Rinaldi's push for a medal highlight the ambiguity of heroism.
Characters to notice
- Frederic Henry
Recovering from wounds in the field hospital, visited by Rinaldi.
- Rinaldi
Visits Frederic, brings cognac, discusses medal prospects, and teases him about the priest and Catherine.
- The Priest
Mentioned by Rinaldi as someone Frederic likes and who plans to visit.
- Catherine Barkley
Referred to as 'Miss Barkley' and 'English girl'; Rinaldi offers to bring her to Frederic.
- Gordini
Mentioned by Rinaldi as claiming Frederic carried people on his back.
Key passages
“I was blown up while we were eating cheese.”
Frederic describes his wounding as an unheroic accident during a meal.
Highlights the absurdity of war and Frederic's refusal to romanticize his injury.
“We are brothers and we love each other.”
Rinaldi asserts a deep, almost fraternal bond with Frederic despite their insults.
Reveals the intimacy and complexity of their friendship amidst war.
“Your lovely cool goddess. English goddess. My God what would a man do with a woman like that except worship her?”
Rinaldi mockingly idealizes Catherine as an untouchable Englishwoman.
Reflects Rinaldi's cynical view of women and his teasing of Frederic's romantic feelings.