A farewell to arms (PART 3)

Summary

In this section, Frederic Henry returns to the Italian front after recovering from his injuries in Milan. The atmosphere of war is darker and more chaotic than before. He rejoins his ambulance unit and witnesses growing confusion, exhaustion, and loss of morale among the soldiers. As the Austrians launch a major offensive, the Italian army is forced into a disastrous retreat from Caporetto. Frederic struggles to survive amid rain, mud, and constant danger while trying to lead his men to safety. During the retreat, discipline collapses, fear dominates the soldiers, and arbitrary executions by military police reveal the cruelty and senselessness of war. This part marks Frederic’s deepening disillusionment with the war and sets the stage for his eventual break from it.