Read the excerpt from Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms . The major asked me to have a drink with him and two other officers. We drank rum and it was very friendly. Outside it was getting dark. I asked what time the attack was to be and they said as soon as it was dark. The casual behavior of the characters during a difficult time demonstrates Hemingway’s belief that a hero should

The officers calmly share a drink and speak casually even though an attack is about to begin. Their composure during danger reflects the idea of showing grace under pressure, a quality Hemingway often admired in heroes. The excerpt does not focus on learning from mistakes, finding a mentor, or recognizing life’s meaninglessness.

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