Masculinity, heroism, and war are often themes in Ernest Hemingway's novels, and although evident in his A Farewell to Arms, these things are secondary. Set in Italy during World War I, A Farewell to Arms tells the story of a young man's self-realization. With the use of other characters, Hemmingway's protagonist, Frederic Henry, experiences life-changing events that cause him to question such things as faith, hope, and love. The one man Henry can talk with about these things is known only as the priest. In A Farewell to Arms, the priest is not only a religious leader, but also a friend and advisor to Frederic Henry. As well, he is the only man Henry seems to know that believes in and is devoted to God. Much of Henry's character is revealed by the relationship he has with the priest.
             The first time the reader meets the priest is in the second chapter. Entering the mess hall where Henry and other soldiers are eating, he is described as a young man that blushes easily. The priest is immediately taunted by one of the other soldiers, but Henry remains quiet, smiling at him "across the candle light" (page 8). This short, descriptive interaction reveals a gentle relationship. Disregarding the others' comments, the priest urges Henry to visit the Abruzzi, the priest's own hometown, while on leave. These are the only meaningful words the priest speaks at this gathering, and they are for Henry alone. At this point, the reader grasps the friendship between the two men.
             Upon Henry's return from leave, he meets the priest in the mess hall once more. It is at this time the uncertainty Henry is going through as well as the way he and the priest feel about each other become obvious. The priest is very hurt when Henry tells him that he did not go to the Abruzzi, for the priest had called his father there and made preparations. Hemingway illustrates the uniqueness of the relationship between the two a...