We analyzed the significance of Lt Henry's escape from Italy in the thematic context of whether escape from external forces is possible. We contrasted the characters' internal efforts at free will ( the escape from Italy and their intimate relationship)with the intrusion of external forces / reality :the war, the soon to be born baby, and the inevitability of death symbolized by the persistent rain. Last, we addressed the comic scene at the end of the chapter wherein two Swiss officials argue between themselves as to the best place in Switzerland for winter sports instead of interrogating Lt Henry, a wanted criminal, who is a deserter from the Italian army.