# XXI explained — A Farewell to Arms

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

## What happens

Frederic Henry receives official orders for three weeks' convalescent leave starting October 4th, after which he must return to the front. Catherine Barkley reveals she is nearly three months pregnant. The chapter also covers the deteriorating war situation, including failed offensives, riots in Turin, and a pessimistic conversation with a British major who believes all sides are 'cooked.' Frederic gets a silhouette cut by an old man and spends time with Catherine, who reassures him about the pregnancy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Loss

Catherine's pregnancy deepens the bond between her and Frederic, but also introduces anxiety about the future and potential loss.

### War and Disillusionment

The British major's cynical view that 'we are all cooked' reflects the growing disillusionment with the war's futility.

### Escape and Retreat

Frederic's convalescent leave and the plan to go somewhere unknown with Catherine represent a desire to escape the war.

## Character check-ins

### Frederic Henry

Receives his convalescent leave orders and learns of Catherine's pregnancy.

### Catherine Barkley

Reveals she is pregnant and discusses future plans with Frederic.

### Rinaldi

Sends a letter asking Frederic to bring phonograph records.

### The Priest

Sends a dull letter to Frederic.

### Ettore Moretti

Has returned to the front.

### Mrs. Meyers

Left Boston newspapers for the hospital patients.

## Key lines

> I was to have three weeks’ convalescent leave and then return to the front.

Frederic learns he will get three weeks off to recover, after which he must go back to the battlefield.

_This official order sets the timeline for the chapter._

> I’m going to have a baby, darling. It’s almost three months along.

Catherine tells Frederic she is pregnant, about three months into the pregnancy.

_Key revelation that changes the couple's dynamic._

> We were all cooked. The thing was not to recognize it.

The British major believes everyone is doomed, but the key is to remain unaware of it.

_Illustrates the pervasive pessimism about the war._

## Links

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