A Farewell to Arms

by

Ernest Hemingway

A Farewell to Arms: Chapter 31 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Henry is pulled downriver. When he is close enough to the shore, he grabs a branch and pulls himself out. To disguise himself, he cuts the stars from his sleeve that mark him as an officer.
By cutting off his officer's stars, Henry is throwing away his connection to his responsibilities and to the war in general.
Themes
War Theme Icon
Reality vs. Fantasy Theme Icon
Self vs. Duty Theme Icon
That night, Henry sneaks onto a train. When a young soldier looks at him, her glares at the boy with contempt so that the boy looks away. Henry hides in a train car loaded with guns.
Henry, now a fugitive, is able to protect himself by appearing threatening and confident.
Themes
Manhood Theme Icon