# XX explained — A Farewell to Arms

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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