A Farewell to Arms Summary

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Here you will find a A Farewell to Arms summary (Ernest Hemingway's book).
We begin with a summary of the entire book, and then you can read each individual chapter's summary by visiting the links on the "Chapters" section.

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Last Updated: Monday 1 Jan, 2024

A Farewell to Arms Summary Overview

The story revolves around a young American, Lieutenant Frederic Henry, who serves as an ambulance driver in the Italian army during the tail-end of World War I. He spends winter touring Italy, returning in spring to his duties at the front. There, he crosses paths with Catherine Barkley, an English nurse’s aide at a nearby British hospital. Despite Catherine initially being an object of affection for Henry's friend Rinaldi, it is with Frederic that she begins a playful, complicated romance. Catherine, still grieving the loss of her fiancé, seeks comfort in love, even if it's an illusion. Her sentiments awaken in Henry a longing for emotional connection, something he lost in the brutalities of war. When Henry gets injured in battle, he is transported to a hospital in Milan. Despite initial suggestions of a six-month bed rest followed by knee surgery, Henry opts for an immediate operation conducted by the audacious Dr. Valentini. Meanwhile, Catherine gets transferred to Milan, further nurturing their growing relationship. Their love, once a game of hollow promises and light-hearted flirtations, evolves into something profound and genuine. After his recovery, Henry is granted a brief three-week leave. Catherine reveals her pregnancy to him, and they plan a trip. However, a diagnosis of jaundice and accusations of deliberate self-harm to avoid service result in the revocation of Henry's leave. Henry is sent back to the front, where Italian forces are suffering losses. During a retreat, Henry leads his ambulance drivers away from the main route, resulting in a violent altercation with two engineers, one of whom Henry shoots. The retreat continues on foot after their vehicles become stuck. Chaos ensues, with commanding officers being executed, and Henry narrowly escapes being seized by battle police. He escapes by diving into a river and stows away on a train to Milan, deciding his war obligations are over. He reunites with Catherine in Stresa, and they flee to Switzerland, where they build a peaceful life, putting the war behind them. However, their tranquility is shattered when Catherine's labor results in a stillborn baby and ends in her tragic death from a hemorrhage. Grief-stricken Henry, unable to say goodbye, walks back to his hotel in the pouring rain.

chapter 1

Lieutenant Henry, the story's voice, paints a picture of his quaint Italian hamlet. It's World War I, and soldiers regularly journey down the road to the adjacent front line. Commanders race past in their "small gray motor cars." Henry imagines that if a car is moving particularly swiftly, it's likely transporting the king, who visits the battlefield almost daily. Winter ushers in a devastating cholera outbreak, resulting in the death of seven thousand troops.

chapter 2

Lieutenant Henry and his unit relocate to Gorizia, a town far removed from the ongoing war in the distant mountains. The town is in decent shape and has pleasant cafés and two separate brothels for officers and enlisted men. On a snowy winter day, Henry joins his fellow officers in the mess hall. They jest about the war being over for the year due to the snow and begin to mock their military priest with vulgar insinuations about his celibacy. Despite the ribbing, the priest remains good-natured. Henry, although not a believer, is respectful towards the priest. Later, the officers debate about where Henry should spend his leave. The priest proposes Abruzzi, his own hometown, but the others suggest touristy locales like Palermo, Capri, Rome, Naples, or Sicily. Discussion soon shifts to opera singers before the officers decide to visit the brothel.

chapter 3

Returning from his holiday, Henry shares details of his journey with his roommate, Rinaldi. Henry indicates he explored Italy extensively. Rinaldi, fixated on "beautiful girls," asserts there is no need to travel for such beauty anymore. He reveals that attractive English ladies have been positioned at the front and he's smitten with a nurse named Catherine Barkley. Henry lends him fifty lire, allowing Rinaldi to appear as a wealthy man to Catherine. During dinner, the priest is offended that Henry didn't visit Abruzzi. A remorseful and inebriated Henry justifies he had wanted to visit but was hindered by certain circumstances. As dinner concludes, the officers start to tease the priest again.

chapter 4

Henry is awakened by the sound of artillery fire the next day. He heads to the auto shop where ambulances are being repaired and engages in brief conversation with the staff. Later, he's persuaded by Rinaldi to accompany him to visit Miss Barkley at the British Hospital. At the hospital, Rinaldi chats with nurse Helen Ferguson, allowing Henry to familiarize himself with Catherine. Her beauty and notably her long, blond hair captivate him. She has a small, stick-like item resembling a "toy riding-crop", which she reveals as a keepsake from her fiancé who died in the Somme Battle. When she questions if he's ever been in love, he denies it. As they head home, Rinaldi notes Catherine's apparent preference for Henry over him.

chapter 5

Henry visits Catherine the following day. The leading nurse questions why an American would join the Italian forces. She informs him that Catherine is on duty until 7pm. Henry spends his day inspecting a road being built for an upcoming attack. He visits Catherine after his meal, finding her and Helen Ferguson in the garden. Helen leaves them alone shortly after. They converse about Catherine's work before agreeing to avoid discussing the war. Henry attempts to embrace her, which she initially resists but eventually allows. When he tries to kiss her, she slaps him. Henry amusingly realizes this distraction from the war topic. Eventually, Catherine allows Henry to kiss her, then starts crying and comments, “We’re going to have a strange life.” When Henry gets back home, Rinaldi teases him about his love-struck appearance.

chapter 6

Henry reunites with Catherine after two days away. She inquires about his love for her and invites him to use her first name. As they stroll in the garden, she conveys her deep affection for him and the pain of his absence. He kisses her, even though he thinks she may be "probably a little crazy," but it doesn't bother him. Despite not being in love with Catherine, Henry perceives their relationship as a complex game, similar to bridge. Unexpectedly, she recognizes their pretense, stating, “This is a rotten game we play, isn’t it?” She reassures him that she isn't insane and although their game is over, he convinces her to kiss him again. She abruptly ends the kiss and asks him to leave. Back home, Rinaldi notices Henry's love troubles and expresses relief about not being entangled with a British nurse.

chapter 7

Henry, on his return journey from his duty, offers a lift to a soldier suffering from a hernia. The soldier confesses he intentionally discarded his truss to avoid going back to the battlefield. He's worried about his superiors' reaction as they're aware of such tactics. Henry suggests he hit his own head to secure a hospital stay, which he does. Henry's mind wanders to the looming offensive that's two days away, wishing he could be in Milan with Catherine instead, enjoying a warm evening and fine wine. During dinner, the group indulges in drinks and makes fun of the priest. Rinaldi helps an intoxicated Henry to the British hospital, giving him coffee beans to help him regain sobriety. Upon reaching the nurses' villa, Helen Ferguson informs Henry that a sick Catherine will not be able to meet him. Henry experiences an unexpected sense of "loneliness and hollow."

chapter 8

When the next day arrives, Henry learns about a planned assault for the evening. As they drive past the British hospital en route to the front, Henry instructs his car's driver to halt. He rushes to meet Catherine and informs her of his imminent departure for "a show," asking her not to fret. She hands him a St. Anthony medal as a protective charm. After their meeting, Henry gets back in the car and the convoy proceeds to Pavla, the anticipated battleground.

chapter 9

During his time in Pavla, Henry observes trenches teeming with artillery and Austrian balloons looming over distant landscapes. A high-ranking officer welcomes Henry and his drivers, accommodating them in a dugout. They discuss the military hierarchy and engage Henry in a conversation about halting the war. Henry argues that halting the Italian military would leave them worse off, but Passini, an ambulance driver, respectfully counters this, asserting that the war would be interminable unless one side withdraws. Feeling hungry, Henry and another driver, Gordini, get cold macaroni and cheese from the central wound-dressing station. As they make their way back to the dugout, they are surrounded by exploding shells. While they're eating, they are unexpectedly struck by “a flash, as when a blast-furnace door is swung open.” Henry struggles to breathe, convinced he is on the verge of death. A trench mortar has penetrated the dugout, resulting in Passini's death and Gordini's injury. The two remaining drivers, Gavuzzi and Manera, transport Henry to a wound-dressing station. There, Henry’s severely damaged leg is attended to by a British doctor. The injured individuals, including Henry, are subsequently loaded into an ambulance and dispatched to a hospital.

chapter 10

Henry suffers greatly at the military hospital. His friend Rinaldi visits, telling Henry he's to be honored for his bravery during combat. Disagreeing, Henry denies any acts of heroism, however, Rinaldi maintains his viewpoint. Before leaving, Rinaldi gifts Henry a bottle of cognac and ensures Catherine will visit him shortly.

chapter 11

As evening descends, the priest visits Henry, expressing his absence at the dining hall. He brings Henry gifts - mosquito netting, vermouth, and English newspapers, all of which Henry appreciates. They indulge in drinks and discuss the war. Henry confesses his detest for it, and the priest proposes a dichotomy of men: those who wage war and those who refuse. Henry mourns that "the first ones make [the second ones] do it... And I help them." He questions if the war's end is futile, but the priest reassures him it isn't, although he admits struggling with hope himself. The conversation shifts to God. Facing the officers' mockery, the priest stands by his faith, asserting that a man's love for God isn't a crude joke. Henry doesn't profess his love for God, but concedes to occasional fear of Him. The priest ends the discussion by acknowledging Henry's potential for love. He draws a line between sleeping with prostitutes and genuinely loving someone, reassuring Henry that he will experience true love in time. Henry remains doubtful. The priest departs, and Henry drifts off to sleep.

chapter 12

The physicians are keen to transport Henry to Milan for superior care for his injured leg. They need to quickly heal or relocate wounded soldiers as hospital beds are needed for the forthcoming offensive. On the eve of Henry's departure, Rinaldi and a major from Henry's unit pay him a visit. The U.S. has just waged war on Germany, causing excitement among the Italians. Rinaldi asks if war will be declared on Austria by President Wilson, to which Henry affirms it will happen soon. The officers indulge in drinks, discussing the war and life in Milan. Rinaldi mentions that Catherine is assigned to work at the Milan hospital. The next day, Henry embarks for Milan. He narrates his train journey, where he drinks to the point of vomiting on the floor.

chapter 13

Henry reaches Milan two days later and is clumsily transported to the American hospital by two drivers, causing him considerable discomfort. He encounters a gray-haired nurse, Mrs. Walker, who's a bit scatterbrained and cannot assign him a room without a doctor's approval. He convinces the drivers to place him in a room and he falls asleep. The next day, he is attended by a young nurse, Miss Gage, who checks his temperature. Mrs. Walker and Miss Gage then change his bed. In the afternoon, Miss Van Campen, the hospital's superintendent, introduces herself. She and Henry don't get along. Henry requests wine with his meals, but Miss Van Campen refuses unless a doctor allows it. Later, Henry arranges for a porter to bring him some wine and newspapers. As a gesture of reconciliation before he goes to bed, Miss Van Campen sends him a glass of eggnog laced with sherry.

chapter 14

Miss Gage finds a vermouth bottle under Henry's bed in the morning. Rather than scolding him, she expresses disappointment that he didn't invite her for a drink. She mentions Miss Barkley's arrival at the hospital and her disapproval of her, but Henry is confident she will change her mind. A barber comes to shave Henry on his request, but treats him poorly. The porter shares that the barber mistook Henry for an Austrian soldier and was on the verge of slitting his throat, finding the situation amusing. Once the barber and porter are gone, Catherine comes in. It is then that Henry recognizes his love for her. He pulls her into bed and they make love for the first time.

chapter 15

Henry encounters a petite, frail physician who extracts some shrapnel from his injury but soon tires from the effort. He's then sent for X-ray by this doctor. Subsequently, a trio of medical practitioners evaluates Henry's condition, suggesting a six-month wait prior to surgery. Henry, in jest, prefers leg amputation to the prolonged bed rest. As a result, he requests another medical opinion. Dr. Valentini, an upbeat and capable doctor, visits him two hours later. After sharing a drink with Henry, Valentini agrees to undertake the required operation the following day.

chapter 16

Catherine and Henry spend the night together in his room, observing the night scene and the sweep of a searchlight. Henry expresses concern about them being caught, but Catherine soothes his worries, assuring him everyone is asleep. In the morning, Henry considers having breakfast at the park, while Catherine readies him for his upcoming surgery. He invites her back to bed, but she declines, anticipating that he won't desire her company after his surgery due to the anesthetic effects. She cautions him against revealing their affair in his post-surgery talkativeness. Addressing their relationship, she queries about his past lovers. He denies having any, and although she recognizes his lie, she feels content.

chapter 17

Following his surgery, Henry's health deteriorates significantly. During his recovery, three new patients are admitted to the hospital; a young man from Georgia and another from New York, both suffering from malaria, and a third who attempted to dismantle an explosive shell for a keepsake. Helen Ferguson, who Henry begins to respect, assists him in exchanging messages with Catherine while she's working. He invites her to their anticipated wedding, but Helen is doubtful about their plans. Concerned for Catherine's wellbeing, Helen persuades Henry that Catherine needs some time off. He openly discusses this with Miss Gage, advocating for Catherine's break. After a three-day hiatus, Catherine comes back to Henry and they share an intense reunion.

chapter 18

Throughout the summer, Henry masters walking with crutches while he and Catherine deepen their bond in Milan. They become friends with the main waiter at the Gran Italia restaurant. Catherine spends her nights with Henry, and they play at being wedded, although Henry secretly relishes their unmarried status. They broach the subject of matrimony, but Catherine is resistant, convinced that a married woman would be removed from the frontlines. She insists that marriage bears no significance: “I couldn’t be any more married.” She promises her loyalty to Henry, assuring him that despite the certainty of “all sorts of dreadful things will happen to us,” being unfaithful won't be among those.

chapter 19

In his free time, Henry mingles with numerous individuals from Milan, including the Meyerses, an old couple who are fond of horse racing. After encountering the Meyerses, Henry buys chocolates for Catherine from a nearby store. In a local bar, he stumbles upon Ettore Moretti, an Italian-American soldier, along with Ralph Simmons and Edgar Saunders, both opera singers. Ettore boasts about his commendations, prompting Henry to label him as a "legitimate hero", albeit a boring one. Upon reaching the hospital, he converses with Catherine, who dislikes Ettore, favoring more refined, English heroes. As they continue their conversation, it starts to rain. Catherine expresses her fear of the rain, asserting that it is "very hard on loving," and begins to sob until Henry consoles her.

chapter 20

Henry, Catherine, Helen, nicknamed "Fergie" or "Ferguson," and an injured boy attend a horse race, betting based on tips from the usually successful Meyers. As Catherine observes a low-ranking race, she spots a horse of unusual color and speculates it may be a disguised champion, given the reputed corruption in Italian horse racing. Despite betting on this horse, their winnings are modest. Tired of the crowds, Catherine and Henry choose to enjoy the rest of the races in solitude, finding comfort in each other's company.

chapter 21

As autumn approaches, the Allied forces struggle significantly. A British officer informs Henry that their forces might be defeated in a year if the current situation persists. Regardless, he maintains that it's bearable as long as nobody acknowledges it. With Henry's leg healing, he is given a three-week break before returning to battle. Catherine proposes accompanying him during this time and discloses she's three months into her pregnancy. She expresses concern about potentially burdening Henry, but he reassures her, saying he is content and thinks she's amazing. They discuss potential challenges ahead. Henry suggests that the brave only face death once, while cowards face it multiple times. Neither of them can recall the origin of this statement. Catherine modifies Henry's comment, stating that intelligent and brave men may face death multiple times, but never speak of it.

chapter 22

Upon daybreak, Henry is found to be suffering from jaundice as rain pours outside. Miss Van Campen stumbles upon discarded alcohol bottles in his room and attributes his ailment to excessive drinking. She believes he intentionally fell ill to dodge returning to the battlefront. Determined, she removes all alcohol from his room and vows to hinder his recuperation leave by filing a report — a task she accomplishes successfully.

chapter 23

Henry readies himself to return to the front line. He bids farewell at the hospital and ventures into the city. He encounters Catherine at a café and invites her to accompany him. They encounter a couple expressing their love publicly outside a church. Henry comments, “They’re like us,” to which Catherine responds with sadness, “Nobody is like us.” They visit a weapons store where Henry purchases a new gun and ammo. Once out on the streets, they share a passionate kiss, mirroring the couple they had seen earlier. Henry proposes they find a more secluded place, Catherine concurs, and they locate a hotel. Despite the upscale surroundings and Catherine's purchase of a pricey nightgown, she can't shake off a feeling of immorality. After their meal, this feeling dissipates. Henry recites, “‘But at my back I always hear / Time’s wingèd chariot hurrying near,’” a poetic verse recognized by Catherine from the works of Andrew Marvell. Henry voices his concern about Catherine's impending childbirth; she reassures him that she will cope, and promises to create a welcoming home for him upon his return.

chapter 24

Henry hails a cab to transport him and Catherine from the lodging to the railway depot. Upon arrival, he sends her to the hospital, pleading with her to look after herself and "little Catherine". A minor uproar ensues on the packed train as Henry has secured a seat through a machine-gunner. A lanky, thin captain takes issue with this. Ultimately, Henry gives up his seat to the disgruntled captain and opts to sleep on the floor.

chapter 25

Back in Gorizia, Henry discusses the war with the town major, who comments on the difficult summer. The major is relieved to learn of Henry's decorations and considers his injury timely. Expressing his exhaustion with the war, the major doubts his return if he were allowed to leave the front. Henry then seeks out Rinaldi, contemplating Catherine while waiting. When Rinaldi arrives, he is happy to see Henry and expresses outrage at his friend's return to war with a wounded knee. Rinaldi enquires about Henry's marital status and love life, and tactlessly questions Catherine's bedroom performance. This displeases Henry, who believes some topics to be "sacred". They salute Catherine with a drink and join the sparse crowd at dinner, where Rinaldi attempts to liven up the atmosphere by teasing the priest.

chapter 26

Having finished their meal, Henry engages in a conversation with the priest. The priest expresses his belief that the war might soon be over, without providing a reason for his assumption. However, Henry remains doubtful. The priest observes that the men have become different, using the major, described as "gentle", as a reference. Henry considers that the harshness of defeat may have softened the men. He references the story of Jesus Christ, suggesting that his meekness was a result of being oppressed. Henry confesses that he has lost faith in the concept of victory. When asked by the priest about his beliefs, he simply responds with, "In sleep."

chapter 27

Henry journeys to the Bainsizza mountains, a zone of heavy combat. He encounters a man, Gino, who speaks of fearsome Austrian artillery. They converse about the Italian military's vulnerability to Croatian forces, with Gino asserting that if an Austrian attack occurs, the Italians have nowhere to run. He insists that the casualties over the summer were not in vain, causing Henry to ponder how he finds abstract terms like “sacred, glorious, and sacrifice” discomforting. He values tangible realities like village names and street numbers more. A heavy downpour ensues that night, and the enemy initiates their attack. Morning reveals that the assault squad includes Germans, causing significant alarm among the Italians, who have had minimal interaction with the Germans and wish to maintain this distance. The subsequent night, news breaks that the Italian line has been breached leading to a large-scale withdrawal. During the retreat, Henry observes women from the local brothel being transported in a truck in Gorizia. Bonello, a driver under Henry, volunteers to accompany the women. On reaching the villa, they find that Rinaldi has left for the hospital and the place is deserted. Henry, Bonello, Piani, and Aymo take a break to refresh and eat before continuing their retreat.

chapter 28

The troops trudge steadily through the town, a never-ending line of withdrawing soldiers and vehicles. Henry snatches a moment of sleep, but soon after waking, finds the line halted. He leaves his vehicle to inspect his men and finds two engineering officers hitching a ride in Bonello's car, while Aymo is in the company of two women. Although initially wary of Aymo, he manages to convince them he's harmless. Henry retreats back to Piani's car for another round of sleep, dreaming and speaking aloud about Catherine. By nightfall, local villagers join the military retreat. As dawn breaks, Henry and his team choose to diverge from the main group, heading north via a lesser-known road. They pause at a deserted farmhouse, feasting on a hearty breakfast before proceeding with their journey.

chapter 29

Aymo's vehicle gets trapped in the mushy terrain, prompting the soldiers to hastily gather and use foliage under the tires to gain grip. Henry instructs the two engineers with Bonello to assist, but they decline out of fear of the approaching enemy. When they attempt to desert, Henry shoots one, while the other flees. Bonello finishes off the injured man with Henry's gun. Despite using brushwood and even clothes for traction, the car submerges deeper into the mire. They switch vehicles but get trapped soon after. Henry hands some cash to the two girls accompanying Aymo and directs them to a nearby town. The soldiers then proceed to Udine on foot.

chapter 30

Henry and his troop notice a German car and armed cyclists in the distance. To evade them, they opt for smaller roads instead of the main one. While moving, they face gunfire and Aymo is killed. The revelation that their own fellows shot them leaves them shaken. They find refuge in a deserted farmhouse till dusk. In the farmhouse, Henry stays in the hayloft while Piani and Bonello scout for food. However, Bonello abandons the group, hoping to be captured and thus, evade death. The remaining men stay hidden till night, then venture to reunite with the Italian group. They encounter a large troop where officers are being accused and questioned for their role in the Italian loss. Suddenly, battle police grab Henry. He watches an officer being led away and executed. Seizing a chance, Henry jumps into the water and swims away. Gunfire can be heard initially, but it recedes as he moves farther from shore.

chapter 31

Henry spends a substantial amount of time in the chilling river before he finally emerges, discards the stars from his uniform that mark him as an officer, and checks his cash amount. Later that day, he traverses the Venetian plain and manages to hop onto a military train. He panics when a young soldier wearing an oversized helmet notices him, but the soldier mistakenly believes Henry to be one of them and ignores him. Henry conceals himself in a compartment filled with weapons and, in the process, injures his head under a large canvas cover. He waits for his wound to clot and carefully removes the dried blood from his forehead to avoid attracting attention when he exits.

chapter 32

Worn out and under a canvas, Henry contemplates the resilience of the knee Dr. Valentini operated on. His thoughts are his own, filled with Catherine, though he fears longing for her without hope of reunion could push him to madness. He's tormented by feelings of loss. Bereft of his team, a military unit to go back to, and remembered comrades like the priest and Rinaldi, he believes his war has ended. "It was not my show anymore," he muses. However, his physical requirements soon overshadow his thoughts. He yearns for food, drink, and sleep with Catherine, daydreaming of whisking her away to safety.

chapter 33

Henry disembarks from the train upon reaching Milan. He visits a local winery for a cup of coffee. Despite the owner's offer of assistance, Henry maintains that he's not in any difficulty. They enjoy a glass of wine together, after which Henry heads to the hospital. The doorman informs him that Catherine has relocated to Stresa. Henry then meets up with Ralph Simmons, a familiar opera singer, and enquires about Swiss travel protocols. Simmons gives Henry a set of regular clothes, wishing him the best as he departs for Stresa.

chapter 34

Traveling to Stresa via train, Henry feels out of place in unfamiliar attire, perceived with disdain as a young noncombatant. Regardless, he shrugs off the judgement, having reached a personal truce with the conflict. He reaches Stresa and checks into the Isles Borromées hotel, securing a good room and alerting the concierge of his wife's anticipated arrival. Emilio, a bartender, tells him about two British nurses staying nearby. Henry dines but avoids military dialogue with Emilio, considering the war behind him. Upon reaching the nurses' hotel, Henry is met with Catherine's joy and Helen's wrath, the latter accusing him of causing turmoil in her friend's life. Unfazed by Helen's criticisms, both Catherine and Henry remain undeterred, leaving Helen tearful. Henry savors the night with Catherine, his happiness marred by the grim realization that life is ruthless, and death does not discriminate against the virtuous. The next morning, Henry declines the newspaper. Catherine questions whether his past experiences are too painful to read about, and he promises to discuss it once he's figured it out. He acknowledges feeling guilty about deserting the military, but Catherine playfully dismisses his guilt, reminding him he left the Italian army. They fantasize about absconding to Switzerland and return to their bed.

chapter 35

Catherine later pays Helen a visit while Henry joins Emilio for a fishing trip. Emilio extends an offer for Henry to borrow his boat whenever he wishes. Henry, Catherine, and Helen Ferguson share a meal together. Also in the hotel is Count Greffi, an elderly nobleman of 94 years old who Henry had made friends with during a previous visit to Stresa - he is accompanied by his niece. Later in the evening, Henry engages in a game of billiards with the count. They converse about the count's misplaced expectation of growing religious fervor with age and discuss the likelihood of Italy's victory in the war.

chapter 36

Emilio rouses Henry late at night, revealing that the military police intend to detain him come dawn. He advises that Henry and Catherine escape by boat to Switzerland. Upon waking Catherine, they quickly gather their belongings and make their way to the dock. Emilio supplies them with sandwiches and brandy, and allows them to depart with his boat. He accepts fifty lire for the food and drink, instructing Henry to forward him five hundred francs for the boat once they've settled in Switzerland.

chapter 37

Henry rows tirelessly through the stormy, rough sea until his hands are numb from exertion. Catherine briefly takes up the rowing task before Henry takes over again. After many hours of avoiding the sight of customs officials, the duo finally arrives in Switzerland. They have breakfast, and as they had anticipated, they are apprehended by the Swiss authorities and transported to Locarno. There, they are granted temporary visas to stay in Switzerland. The officials amusingly dispute over which location would offer the couple the finest winter sports. Exhausted but relieved, Catherine and Henry retire to a hotel where they fall asleep instantly.

chapter 38

Henry and Catherine relocate to a mountain house outside Montreux during the autumn. They live contentedly, often interacting with their downstairs neighbors, Mr. Guttingen and his wife, and taking leisurely walks in the tranquil neighboring villages. When Catherine gets her hair done, they decide to have a beer, believing it will keep their unborn child small due to Catherine's fear of her narrow pelvis, as pointed out by the doctor. The couple discuss future marriage plans, mainly for the sake of legitimizing their child, but Catherine is more interested in the places they will visit as Americans, like Niagara Falls and the Golden Gate Bridge. As Christmas nears and snow descends, Catherine questions Henry's contentment. Although he denies feeling restless, he does miss his comrades on the front lines. Trying to alleviate his restlessness, Catherine suggests he grow a beard. She even offers to shorten her hair to resemble Henry, though he doesn't like the idea. They attempt to synchronize their sleep, but Henry can't fall asleep and spends the time watching Catherine and contemplating.

chapter 39

By the middle of January, Henry's facial hair has fully grown. During a stroll, he and Catherine pause at a dim, fume-filled tavern. They enjoy their solitude and ponder if the arrival of their "little brat" will disrupt their peace. Catherine plans to trim her hair post-pregnancy, once she's slim again, hoping to be "exciting" and reignite Henry's love for her. However, he assures her that he already loves her enough and jokingly questions, “What do you want to do? Ruin me?”

chapter 40

During March, the pair relocates to Lausanne, closer to the medical facility. Their stay at a local hotel lasts for a trio of weeks. Catherine is occupied with purchasing infant outfits, while Henry spends time at the fitness center. Both sense the approaching arrival of their baby, thus valuing their remaining time as a couple.

chapter 41

In the wee hours, Catherine begins her labor. She's brought to the hospital by Henry, who later goes for breakfast as she insists. Upon his return, he learns she has been moved to the delivery room. Catherine, under the influence of anesthetic gas, battles her painful contractions while the doctor observes. Post lunch, Henry discovers that the gas has made Catherine lightheaded and her labor hasn't progressed enough, leading the doctor to suggest a Caesarean procedure. Amidst extreme pain, Catherine demands more gas and is eventually taken away for the surgery. The doctor emerges later, carrying a newborn boy, towards whom Henry feels an inexplicable indifference. He bypasses the doctor and rushes to Catherine. As he reassures her about their son's condition, he gets a puzzling look from a nurse. She escorts him outside to reveal that the baby suffocated due to the umbilical cord before delivery. After dinner, Henry learns from a nurse that Catherine is losing blood excessively. Fearing her death, he waits anxiously to see her. When he finally does, she accepts her impending death and makes him promise not to repeat the endearments he once said to her with other women. He remains at her side until her death. Unable to make sense of bidding her farewell, he departs from the hospital, walking back to his hotel under the rain.

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