tion. Frederic chooses to spend his time in the city rather than Abruzzi, although that is where he “had wanted to go…” (Hemingway 13). Frederic realizes that there is a moral and religious way of life, which the priest represents, and he respects these values of the priest. He acknowledges the fact that the priest has a code to live by. On the other shoulder sits Rinaldi, the satisfied, self-assured surgeon with whom Frederic also tries to identify. Rinaldi seems fulfilled, but as the war progresses he falls into a world of despair and disease. Although he cannot see it, Rinaldi too closely resembles Frederic’s dilemma and therefore is unable to tutor him (Waldhorn 69-70). Tremendously significant, Frederic Henry’s exchanges with the priest and Rinaldi play a strong role in his development because he is unable to solely identify with either of them.Frederic’s education is enhanced by his relationship with the English nurse, Catherine Barkley, as well. Originally, Catherine is nothing more than an object of sensual desire, but as the novel progresses, Catherine becomes symbolic of Frederic’s final resolution. At first Frederic views Catherine as a replacement for the boring prostitutes that he is accustomed to visiting. He takes advantage of her situation; Catherine’s fianc has been killed in the war.“I thought she was probably a little crazy. It was alright if she was. I did not care what I was getting into. I knew I did not love Catherine Barkley nor had any idea of loving her. This was a game, like bridge, in which you said things instead of playing cards. Like bridge you had to pretend you were playing for money or playing for some stakes. Nobody had mentioned what the stakes were. It was alright with me” (Hemingway 30-31).Typical of an immature youth, Frederic blatantly takes advantage of Catherine. He does not, however, realize the extent of Catherine...
