In Ernest Hemingway’s novel A Farewell to Arms, the protagonist, Lieutenant Frederic Henry, holds the rank of lieutenant in the Italian ambulance corps during World War I. This rank is significant as it reflects his position as a volunteer in the Italian military, providing medical assistance to soldiers on the front lines.
As a lieutenant, Frederic is not only entrusted with a leadership role but also faces the harsh realities of war, which profoundly shapes his character throughout the narrative. His experiences as a lieutenant allow Hemingway to explore themes of love, loss, and the futility of war, giving readers a deep insight into the emotional and physical struggles faced by those involved in the conflict.