# Chapter XXXV explained — A Farewell to Arms

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

## What happens

Frederic Henry spends time with Count Greffi, a 94-year-old former diplomat, playing billiards and drinking champagne at the hotel in Stresa. They discuss war, religion, love, and wisdom. Later, Frederic goes fishing with the barman and returns to Catherine. In the evening, he plays billiards again with Count Greffi, who reflects on aging and life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Faith

Frederic and Count Greffi discuss religious belief, with Frederic saying his faith comes 'at night' and the Count lamenting his lack of devotion.

### War and Disillusionment

Count Greffi calls the war 'stupid' and Frederic avoids talking about it, reflecting disillusionment.

### Love and Loss

Frederic's deep love for Catherine is evident; he feels faint with loving her and is reluctant to leave her.

## Character check-ins

### Frederic Henry

Narrator and protagonist; spends time with Count Greffi and Catherine in Stresa.

### Catherine Barkley

Frederic's lover; stays at the hotel and rests while Frederic socializes.

### Count Greffi

A 94-year-old former diplomat; plays billiards and drinks champagne with Frederic, discussing life and war.

### Helen Ferguson

Catherine's friend; Catherine visits her at a little hotel along the lake.

## Key lines

> I think it is stupid.

Count Greffi says the war is foolish.

_Reflects the theme of war and disillusionment._

> My own comes only at night.

Frederic says his religious feeling only appears at night.

_Highlights the theme of religion and faith._

> I felt faint with loving her so much.

Frederic feels overwhelmed by his love for Catherine.

_Emphasizes the theme of love and loss._

## Links

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