# XXVIII explained — A Farewell to Arms

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

## What happens

During the chaotic retreat from Caporetto, Frederic Henry and his ambulance crew navigate a stalled column of troops, trucks, and carts in the rain. They stop at a farmhouse for breakfast, pick up two young virginal sisters and two engineer sergeants, and struggle with the slow, muddy progress. Frederic drifts into a dream about Catherine Barkley, longing for her, as the retreat continues.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Disillusionment

The retreat's chaos, stalled columns, and the vulnerability of civilians like the two girls highlight the grim reality and disillusionment of war.

### Escape and Retreat

The physical retreat from the front mirrors Frederic's mental escape into dreams of Catherine, seeking solace from the war.

## Character check-ins

### Frederic Henry

Leads the ambulance crew during the retreat, gives orders, and dreams of Catherine.

### Piani

Drives one of the ambulances, sleeps at the wheel, and wakes Frederic when the column moves.

### Bonello

Assists with breakfast, carries wine, and gives a ride to two sergeants.

### Aymo

Drives the other ambulance, picks up two girls, and tries to comfort them after scaring them.

### Catherine Barkley

Appears in Frederic's dream and his spoken thoughts, symbolizing his longing for love amid the chaos.

## Key lines

> An army travels on its stomach

Soldiers need to eat to keep moving.

_Frederic uses this saying to justify stopping for breakfast during the retreat._

> A retreat was no place for two virgins. Real virgins. Probably very religious.

The retreat is a dangerous and inappropriate setting for innocent, devout young women.

_Frederic reflects on the vulnerability of the two sisters they picked up._

> Blow, blow, ye western wind. Well, it blew and it wasn't the small rain but the big rain down that rained.

The wind blew and it rained heavily, not a gentle drizzle.

_Frederic's poetic thoughts about the weather and his longing for Catherine._

## Links

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