A Farewell to Arms · Chapter
Chapter XI explained
Frederic Henry receives a visit from the priest in the hospital at dusk.
What happens
Frederic Henry receives a visit from the priest in the hospital at dusk. They discuss the nature of war, patriotism, love, and faith. The priest expresses his weariness and disillusionment with the war, contrasting his deep love for God and his homeland, the Abruzzi, with Frederic's more detached and skeptical worldview. The priest gifts Frederic mosquito netting, vermouth, and English papers before leaving. Frederic reflects on the priest's descriptions of the Abruzzi and eventually falls asleep.
Themes in this chapter
War and Disillusionment
The priest expresses his hatred of the war and his weariness, contrasting the patriotic fervor of some with the suffering of others.
Religion and Faith
The priest discusses his love for God and his hope to return to the Abruzzi to serve Him, while Frederic admits he does not love God but fears Him at night.
Escape and Retreat
The priest's longing for the Abruzzi represents a desire to escape the horrors of war and return to a peaceful, meaningful life.
Characters to notice
- Frederic Henry
The narrator and patient, engaged in a deep conversation with the priest about war, love, and faith.
- The Priest
Visits Frederic in the hospital, looking tired and troubled. He shares his hatred of the war, his love for the Abruzzi, and his hope for a life serving God.
- Passini
Mentioned in conversation as having discussed the war with Frederic before his wounding.
Key passages
“There are people who would make war. In this country there are many like that. There are other people who would not make war.”
Some people actively support war, while others oppose it.
The priest distinguishes between those who advocate for war and those who resist it.
“When you love you wish to do things for. You wish to sacrifice for. You wish to serve.”
True love involves a desire to act, sacrifice, and serve others.
The priest contrasts genuine love with mere passion and lust.
“I am afraid of him in the night sometimes.”
Sometimes I feel fear of God during the night.
Frederic admits to a fearful, rather than loving, relationship with God.