# XXXVI explained — A Farewell to Arms

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

## What happens

Frederic and Catherine are warned by the barman that Frederic will be arrested in the morning for being an officer out of uniform after the retreat. They hastily pack and escape by boat across Lake Maggiore to Switzerland, rowing through a stormy night.

## Themes in this chapter

### Escape and Retreat

Frederic and Catherine's flight by boat to Switzerland represents a literal and symbolic retreat from the war and its consequences.

### Courage and Cowardice

Frederic's decision to flee rather than face arrest shows a pragmatic courage, while the barman's help demonstrates quiet bravery.

## Character check-ins

### Frederic Henry

Awakened by the barman's warning, he decides to flee to Switzerland to avoid arrest.

### Catherine Barkley

Quickly dresses and joins Frederic in the escape, showing calmness and trust.

### Emilio

The barman who warns Frederic of the impending arrest and provides his boat for the escape.

## Key lines

> They are going to arrest you in the morning.

The barman warns Frederic that authorities plan to take him into custody at dawn.

_This sets the escape plot in motion._

> I don't want to be arrested.

Frederic expresses his determination to avoid capture.

_Highlights his rejection of the war's authority._

> Go with the wind up the lake.

The barman advises Frederic to row in the direction of the wind to reach Switzerland.

_Symbolizes trusting nature and fate in the escape._

## Links

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