# XXXVII explained — A Farewell to Arms

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

## What happens

Frederic and Catherine successfully row across Lake Maggiore to Switzerland, landing at Brissago. They have breakfast in a café, are briefly arrested by Swiss customs, questioned by a lieutenant, and sent to Locarno where they receive provisional visas. They decide to go to Montreux for winter sports and check into the Hotel Metropole, exhausted but relieved.

## Themes in this chapter

### Escape and Retreat

Frederic and Catherine's successful escape from the war-torn Italian front to neutral Switzerland represents a literal and symbolic retreat from violence and disillusionment.

### Love and Loss

Their shared joy and relief upon reaching Switzerland highlight the strength of their bond, set against the backdrop of war's losses.

## Character check-ins

### Frederic Henry

Rowing the boat to Switzerland, negotiating with Swiss officials, and feeling exhausted but relieved upon arrival.

### Catherine Barkley

Rowing with Frederic, excitedly stepping into Switzerland, and helping with the cover story about art and winter sports.

## Key lines

> I am a sportsman. Rowing is my great sport. I always row when I get a chance.

Frederic claims he is an avid rower who rows for sport.

_Frederic's cover story to the Swiss lieutenant to explain their arrival by boat._

> Rubens. Large and fat. Titian. Titian-haired. How about Mantegna? Don’t ask hard ones. I know him though—very bitter. Lots of nail holes.

Catherine and Frederic joke about art, referencing painters Rubens, Titian, and Mantegna.

_Their playful banter to maintain the pretense that Catherine studied art._

> What a lovely country. Isn’t it grand? I love the way it feels under my shoes.

Catherine expresses her delight at being in Switzerland, feeling the ground beneath her feet.

_Catherine's emotional reaction to their safe arrival in neutral Switzerland._

## Links

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