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A Farewell to Arms · Chapter

XXXIII explained

Frederic Henry arrives in Milan early in the morning, stops at a wine shop where the proprietor offers help and warns him about his coat revealing his desertion.

What happens

Frederic Henry arrives in Milan early in the morning, stops at a wine shop where the proprietor offers help and warns him about his coat revealing his desertion. He goes to the hospital and learns from the porter that Catherine Barkley has left for Stresa. He then visits his friend Simmons, who provides him with civilian clothes and advice on escaping to Switzerland.

Themes in this chapter

  • Escape and Retreat

    Frederic's flight from the front and his plans to escape to Switzerland.

  • The Individual vs. The Crowd

    Frederic's isolation as a deserter and his need to rely on individual connections to avoid capture.

Characters to notice

Key passages

  • “I dropped off the train in Milan as it slowed to come into the station early in the morning before it was light.”

    Frederic got off the train in Milan early in the morning before dawn.

    Describes his arrival in Milan.

  • “If you are in trouble, I can keep you.”

    The wine shop proprietor offers Frederic a place to hide if he is in trouble.

    Shows the proprietor's willingness to help deserters.

  • “Do not go about with that coat. On the sleeves it shows very plainly where the stars have been cut away.”

    The proprietor warns Frederic that his coat reveals he removed his officer's insignia.

    Highlights the danger of Frederic's desertion being discovered.

  • “She is gone to Stresa.”

    The porter tells Frederic that Catherine has left for Stresa.

    Frederic learns Catherine's whereabouts.

  • “I'll give you all the clothes you want. I'll fit you out so you'll be a great success.”

    Simmons offers to provide Frederic with civilian clothes.

    Simmons helps Frederic disguise himself as a civilian.

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