# XIII explained — A Farewell to Arms

> Chapter companion for A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway.

## What happens

Frederic Henry arrives at the American hospital in Milan after being wounded. He is met by unprepared staff, including the elderly Mrs. Walker and the young Miss Gage. He settles into a room, receives basic care, and waits for the doctor, who is away at Lake Como. He drinks wine and reads the papers, observing the city from his balcony.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Disillusionment

Frederic's arrival at an unprepared hospital highlights the chaos and inadequacy of wartime medical care.

### Escape and Retreat

Frederic seeks solace in wine and sleep, retreating from the pain and reality of his wounds.

## Character check-ins

### Frederic Henry

Arrives at the American hospital in Milan as a wounded patient.

### Miss Gage

Young nurse who attends to Frederic, washing him and making him comfortable.

### Miss Van Campen

Hospital superintendent who visits Frederic and disapproves of him.

### Mrs. Walker

Elderly nurse on night duty who is flustered by Frederic's arrival.

## Key lines

> For Christ's sweet sake take me to some room.

Frederic, in pain, urgently asks to be taken to any available room.

_Shows his desperation and frustration with the hospital's disorganization._

> I'm not sick, I'm wounded.

Frederic corrects the nurse, emphasizing the difference between illness and battle injury.

_Highlights his identity as a soldier and his disdain for being treated like a regular patient._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_farewell_to_arms_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_farewell_to_arms_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_farewell_to_arms_se/chapters