A Farewell to Arms · Chapter
XIII explained
Frederic Henry arrives at the American hospital in Milan after being wounded.
What happens
Frederic Henry arrives at the American hospital in Milan after being wounded. He is met by unprepared staff, including the elderly Mrs. Walker and the young Miss Gage. He settles into a room, receives basic care, and waits for the doctor, who is away at Lake Como. He drinks wine and reads the papers, observing the city from his balcony.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it captures the emotional and psychological peak of Frederic’s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- War and Disillusionment
Frederic's arrival at an unprepared hospital highlights the chaos and inadequacy of wartime medical care.
- Escape and Retreat
Frederic seeks solace in wine and sleep, retreating from the pain and reality of his wounds.
Characters to notice
- Frederic Henry
Arrives at the American hospital in Milan as a wounded patient.
- Miss Gage
Young nurse who attends to Frederic, washing him and making him comfortable.
- Miss Van Campen
Hospital superintendent who visits Frederic and disapproves of him.
- Mrs. Walker
Elderly nurse on night duty who is flustered by Frederic's arrival.
Key passages
“For Christ's sweet sake take me to some room.”
Frederic, in pain, urgently asks to be taken to any available room.
Shows his desperation and frustration with the hospital's disorganization.
“I'm not sick, I'm wounded.”
Frederic corrects the nurse, emphasizing the difference between illness and battle injury.
Highlights his identity as a soldier and his disdain for being treated like a regular patient.
