A Farewell to Arms Book One

1. Examine the first three chapters for information on the personal history of the narrator, Frederic Henry. What does he reveal about himself? What doesn't he reveal about himself?

2. Describe the relationship between the Italian officers and the priest. What are their views concerning the Catholic Church?

3. Why is Mr. Henry in the Italian Army? What do he and the other Anglo-American characters think of the Italian front during the war?

4. Describe the priest's native village of Abruzzi. Where does Mr. Henry go on his furlough instead, and why?

5. Describe Mr. Henry's job with the Italian army. What is his relationship with the men under his command?

6. What is the effect on Catherine of her fiance's death in the war?

7. How does Lt. Rinaldi react to Catherine's obvious preference for FH? Was he sincere in his expressed intent to marry her?

8. Why does Mr. Henry compare his early relationship with Catherine to a game of chess or bridge? Does she share this view?

9. What do you think is the purpose of the St. Anthony that Catherine gives Henry? How does Henry view the gift?

10. Discuss why you think Hemingway ends his chapters so abruptly.

11. In chapter 9, Henry has a conversation about the war with other soldiers. What does he understand about the war that the others do not? Explain. What does the conversation about the war reveal about how the soldiers feel about the war?

12. Re-read the passage describing Henry's encounter with an attack. Why is this section so powerful? Describe what Henry is feeling--why does he show no emotion? How much time elapses between the shelling and when he is finally picked up?

13. What do Mr. Henry's drivers think of the war? Are they, in this respect, representative of the common people of their country?

14. Contrast the personalities of the Lt. Rinaldi and the priest as revealed in their visits to Mr. Henry in the hospital.

15. Why does the priest call Mr. Henry a patriot? Does he mean this as a compliment?

16. What is the priest's definition of love? Is the love affair between Mr. Henry and Catherine genuine, according to the priest's definition? Why or why not?

A Farewell to Arms FH = Frederic Henry Book Two

1. In what condition does FH find the hospital in Milan? How do he and the superintendent, Miss Van Campen, get along?

2. Describe the horse races at San Siro. What is it about them that make Catherine feel "unclean"?

3. What does Catherine think of Ettore Moretti? What are her views on the subject of courage?

4. What does Catherine mean when she says to FH that "Nobody is like us"?

Book Three

1. What is the mood FH encounters in Gorizia when he returns from the hospital? How has Lt. Rinaldi changed?

2. What does FH think of Gino's patriotism? Explain the reasons for his opinion.

3. What command abilities does FH exhibit during the retreat?

4. Why does FH shoot the Italian sergeant during the retreat? Is he justified in doing so? How do his drivers react to the shooting?

5. Describe the mood of the retreating army.

6. Why does FH desert? Is he justified in doing so? Of what significance is his long immersion in the river?

A Farewell to Arms FH = Frederic Henry

Book Four

1. Describe Helen Ferguson's reaction to FH's appearance at Stresa. In what ways does FH misinterpret her anger?

2. Despite their age difference, how are Count Greffi and FH alike?

3. As a deserter, what assistance from the civilians in Milan and Stresa does FH receive? What does this show about the popularity of the war?

Book Five

1. Does Catherine face death with the same courage she faced life? Why does she die? What does FH take with him from the relationship and her death?

2. What do you believe to be Hemingway's overall theme of the novel? What gave you this impression? Give examples from the text to support your stance. Please answer the question entirely, as for length, this will be up to you, but must be proficient and up to expectations.