When reading Ernest Hemingway’s novel, it is important to make a determined effort to focus on the happiness and encouragement present in the work. For Whom the Bell Tolls contains an abundance of love and beauty, overshadowed, however, by an enduring sense of impending disaster. This sense prevents the reader from fully enjoying the book, as one is always anticipating disappointment, a moment when human nature veers off course in a horrifying way. This feeling can be divided into three distinct areas. In his novel, Hemingway explores the exploitation of humanity through brutal violence, unnecessary acts of bravery, and a sense of futility that seems without hope.
Hemingway possesses exceptional proficiency in creating vivid images and mastering the English language. He skillfully manipulates words to construct intricate sentences, viewing meticulous description as a form of definition (Tanner 228). Through this remarkable talent, Hemingway showcases the absolute beauty and elegance of existence. However, it is important to acknowledge that these same techniques can also be used to depict the hardships and painful truths we endure, such as violence and gruesome injustices. For example, there is a scene where a drunkard is violently struck on the side of his head with a flail. Subsequently, he falls back and rests on the ground while gazing at his attacker before peacefully closing his eyes and crossing his hands on his chest – appearing as if peacefully asleep next to Don Anastasio.
The man did not strike him again, and he remained on the ground until Don Anastasio was picked up and placed with the others in the cart. They were then transported to the cliff where they were thrown down along with the others after a clean-up had taken place in the Ayuntamiento. This passage depicts mob violence fueled by ignorance, weak wills, and alcohol. Pilar and Robert Jordans’ flashbacks evoke a profound disgust towards humanity. These stories are not uncommon among the people fighting against the fascists in the novel. Disturbing anecdotes emerge, detailing how individuals witnessed the brutal deaths of their parents, siblings, cousins, and so on. A particularly harrowing account involves the savage murder of a little girl’s entire family. Allegedly, the socialists seized control of her town and forcibly entered her home.
The fascist group gathered the protagonist’s entire family and executed them individually, shooting each member in the back of their heads. The protagonist was spared from death but forced to witness the killings. It is important to note that this story is fictional and not reflective of real-life situations, although similar violent incidents often occur during times of war. Ending this horrific violence may seem like a simple solution, but it is far from realistic. This raises the question: why does such violence continue? One possible speculation is that if the main character had chosen not to display courage, perhaps the sadness and malice could have been avoided. By avoiding confrontation and remaining hidden instead of speaking out, one can often avoid trouble or physical harm. However, in this particular story, Robert Jordan must take two crucial actions: he must build up his life until it reaches a climax in a final confrontation and subject himself to an unending cycle of beatings that ultimately lead to his downfall (Frohock 167). Ernest Hemingway’s novel For Whom the Bell Tolls portrays how Robert Jordan must make a final stand not only to reaffirm his masculinity but also for other reasons.
According to John Wain, Hemingway’s world does not accept defeat as humiliation and rout. Instead, it views it as a last stand where violence, crisis, and death become opportunities for stubborn resistance. This resistance challenges the human capacity to meet self-defined obligations, which is exemplified by Hemingway’s characters striving for the ideal stance of “grace under pressure”. To most people, this last stand may seem irrational and unnecessary. However, to Hemingway’s heroes, it is the only way to preserve dignity in their final moments. It serves as their ultimate penance and forgiveness of sins with the mentality that “If I have the guts to do it, I’ll be all right.” Bravely risking their lives becomes a precious gift in the minds of Hemingway’s heroes. Nonetheless, it is worth considering what would have occurred if they had chosen an alternative path towards living a normal life instead of embarking on this desperate display of valor.
According to W. M. Frohock, in any situation, regardless of its nature, the character is compelled to perform a crazy and brave act as they have no alternative option. Hemingway sees courage as a permanent element in a tragic formula where life is portrayed as a trap, leading the man towards defeat and ultimate destruction. However, there is hope that if the character can persevere, they can emerge victorious while maintaining their dignity. Although thriving in such conditions, it is clear that the character has no control over their actions; similar to an out-of-control freight train relentlessly pursuing its course towards the end of the line. Like this freight train analogy, the hero lacks the ability to stop their progress, making the tunnel ahead increasingly ominous. Despite showcasing biting violence and unwavering courage as manifestations of humanity’s dark side, these two themes also have positive aspects.
Although violence may be frowned upon, it can be used to achieve positive outcomes. This is evident in historical events like the American Revolution, where colonists realized that a violent revolt against the oppressive English could bring liberty to their homes. Additionally, extreme acts of courage can also lead to similar effects. The story of William Wallace in the novel/movie Braveheart accurately portrays how one person’s complete disregard for their own well-being can successfully shift a precarious situation in their favor. Conversely, it is hard to imagine that feeling futile would be advantageous in any scenario. Ernest Hemingway employs this concept to further emphasize the raw brutality of human nature. Right from the start of his novel, it becomes apparent that Robert Jordan will face his demise.
The beginning of the novel For Whom the Bell Tolls foreshadows Robert Jordan’s imminent death, creating a morbid yet intriguing atmosphere. The setup of the book is futile and ultimately results in nothing but loss. During a private conversation with Gavino Villapiano, who assisted me in locating my primary source, he described the book as an thought-provoking choice because it initially portrays a world that seems good but will inevitably deteriorate. Throughout the story, there is a constant feeling of impending doom that some individuals attempt to ignore by employing what is known as the “ostrich syndrome” (the act of ignoring something in hopes that it will disappear).
The characters in the story, including Pablo and Pilar, are aware of the changes happening. They are concerned about Pablo’s diminishing commitment to their cause and his growing interest in horses. Pilar is also going through a similar transformation, where her wisdom and bravery seem to be fading into senility. However, what makes it even more unsettling is that the reader is fully aware of these developments throughout the entire story. The ending, where Robert Jordan dies, is not a surprise as Pilar had already hinted at it through her palm reading earlier in the novel. The reader constantly doubts if anything will harm the beloved characters, making the reading experience even more desperate. Despite that, this novel is considered a great work of art, and it is one of Hemingway’s most renowned and discussed works (Howe 66). Hemingway’s linguistic prowess helps him weave a complex narrative within a short time frame.
Through word weaving and vivid imagery, Ernest Hemingway allows readers to experience every emotion, scent, flavor, texture, and sound that the characters do. However, this talent also carries a cost. Whenever a mildly positive event takes place, a more distressing situation emerges to challenge readers’ belief in the goodness of humanity. In his novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Hemingway skillfully portrays humanity by delving into brutal violence, the need for unfounded bravery, and the absence of hope.
