During a particularly awful hangover in Chapter Twelve, Henry tries to tip a soldier who has brought him a “pulpy orange drink,” but the soldier just shakes his head (76). As mentioned before, the porter and his wife are willing only to give and not take (218). The young girls whom Bonello picks up in Chapter Twenty-nine are dismissed with a ten-lira note, and they held the money tightly and “looked back as though they were afraid might take the money back (188).” Though Henry willingly hands out money, he is often refused. He tips the stretcher-bearers in the hospital, though they drop him numerous times, and is repeatedly saluted. Henry maintains this by always tipping generously or offering money during appropriate events. Money (lire) is also a noteworthy component of Henry’s elevated status. Henry is noticeably uncomfortable in the clothes he confirms this in the first sentence of Chapter Thirty-four: “In civilian clothes I felt a masquerader.” Aviators in the same train compartment as Henry avoided looking at him, and were “very scornful of a civilian age (221).” When Henry transforms himself into a regular Italian, he falls dramatically on the social hierarchy. He leaves the porter’s for his friend’s house, Simmons, to get civilian clothes. He and his wife constantly ask Henry if they can do anything for him, offer him breakfast, but always refuse pay. The porter resurfaces in Chapter Thirty-three. After learning Henry is American, the barber is unquestionably embarrassed. The porter misinforms the barber that Henry is an Austrian officer therefore, the barber’s speech is snappy and blunt. In Chapter Fourteen, Henry receives a rude visit from an Italian barber. The porter fetches drinks for Henry regardless (84). He often requests alcohol while in the hospital, against the nurses’ orders. Henry’s interactions with common Italians are similarly insightful. Henry is clearly unfit, but perhaps now that he is in an official manifestation of his own country, he is demoted from a type of celebrity to an equal.
When he is brought to an American hospital, he is, interestingly, refused a room (80). His title commands respect, as there are many positions below him. Lieutenant, not out of anonymity, but out of respect. Henry is referred to as “Signor Tenente,” Mr. They tend to value Henry’s opinion over their own. The Italians are open to hearing and accepting Henry’s theories, which demonstrates their trust in the American opinion. He speculates, while drunk, that the United States will declare war on nearly everyone. While drinking one night in Chapter Twelve, they ask Henry to predict the course of events regarding the war. Though divided by nationality, Henry manages to become friendly with the Italians in his troop. His position as an American certainly facilitates things, but Henry still refuses to accept his separateness. Henry’s humility is apparent whether he is inherently shy or embarrassed by misleadingly brought-on attention is unclear. Later, Henry’s friend Rinaldi informs him, “Everybody is proud of you…I am positive you will get the silver.” Rinaldi tries to play Henry up in order to win him a medal, but again, Henry quickly changes the subject (63). An English doctor scoffs, “Don’t be a bloody hero,” and falsely informs the Italian hands that “he is the legitimate son of President Wilson (58).” This elevated status brings Henry to the top of the list for treatment. He is wounded as well, but “would rather wait,” for medical attention, as “there are much worse wounded” than he. He refuses to be recognized for heroism after an explosion in Chapter Nine that takes the lives of three men.
Henry is modest, almost to the point of shyness.
This progression is defined by the economic gap as well as his interactions with his Italian comrades and regular citizens. Henry’s character is influenced by his American citizenship. Henry is decidedly separated, but more importantly, his nationality establishes for him a higher status. He never fully integrates into the Italian army, nor does he wish to do so. The United States somehow becomes glorified in the eyes of the Italian population, and a sense of eminence is thrust upon Henry. Frederic Henry finds himself an American serving in the Italian army as an ambulance driver. Ernest Hemingway’s celebrated novel, A Farewell to Arms, discusses the hierarchy of nationality, class, and power during wartime.
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