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 shouldexhibit grace under pressure. recognize the meaningless of life. have a mentor to follow. learn from his mistakes. exhibit grace under pressure.