A Farewell to Arms · Chapter
XX explained
Frederic and Catherine attend the races at San Siro with Ferguson and Crowell Rodgers.
What happens
Frederic and Catherine attend the races at San Siro with Ferguson and Crowell Rodgers. They bet on a horse named Japalac, which wins but pays very little due to crooked racing. Later, they follow a tip from Old Meyers, but that horse also pays poorly. Frederic and Catherine eventually back a horse on their own, which loses, but they enjoy a quiet moment together away from the crowd.
Themes in this chapter
Escape and Retreat
The races provide a temporary escape from the war, but the corruption and crowds remind Frederic and Catherine of the world's dishonesty.
The Individual vs. The Crowd
Catherine feels cleaner and happier when she and Frederic are alone, away from the crowd of people at the track.
Characters to notice
- Frederic Henry
Attends the races with Catherine, bets on horses, and enjoys time away from the crowd.
- Catherine Barkley
Goes to the races with Frederic, expresses dislike for the crowd and crooked racing, and enjoys a quiet drink with him.
- Helen Ferguson
Accompanies the group to the races and comments on the crookedness of the racing.
- Crowell Rodgers
A wounded soldier who reads racing papers and receives tips from Old Meyers; participates in betting.
- Old Meyers
Provides tips to Crowell and Frederic, but is reluctant to share information; wins on nearly every race.
Key passages
“I feel so much cleaner.”
Catherine feels refreshed and relieved after stepping away from the crowd.
Highlights Catherine's discomfort with the social scene and her preference for solitude with Frederic.
“I hope his color doesn't run before they pay off.”
Crowell jokes that the horse's dye might wash off before they collect their winnings.
Illustrates the corruption and dishonesty in the racing world.
“Don't you like it better when we're alone?”
Catherine asks Frederic if he prefers being just the two of them.
Emphasizes the theme of intimacy and escape from the crowd.