For Whom the Bell Tolls(Term-Paper)

Words: 1807
Pages: 8

When reading an Ernest Hemingway novel, one must try very hard to focus on the joy and encouragement found in the work. For Whom the Bell Tolls is full of love and beauty, but is so greatly overshadowed by this lingering feeling of doom--a feeling that does not let you enjoy reading, for you are always waiting for the let down, a chance for human nature to go horribly awry. This feeling is broken up into three specific areas. In Ernest Hemingway's novel, For Whom the Bell Tolls, humanity is exploited through brutal violence, unnecessary courage, and hopeless futility.

Hemingway has the uncanny gift of imagery, and he possesses a brilliant mastery of the English language. He is adept at manipulating words and weaving complex

Although the biting violence and uncompromising courage clearly show how wonderfully Hemingway can portray the dark side of human nature, there are some good aspects of these two subjects. Although it is frowned upon, violence can be used to force good situations. Take the American Revolution. The colonists learned that if they violently revolt against the overbearing English, they can bring liberty to their homes. The same is true with over-the-top courage. The tale of William Wallace in the novel/motion picture Braveheart accurately shows that one mans complete disregard for his own bodily good can very successfully tip a wavering situation in your favorable position. But there is no way imaginable that a sense of futility can benefit a scenario.

Hemingway uses this final idea to further exploit the crudeness of human nature. From the launch of the novel, the reader can't help but believe that Robert Jordan will perish. "As usual, Hemingway gives away the end of the book at the beginning…We also learn—or are encouraged to expect—that Robert Jordan will be killed." (Tanner 81) To start a novel by planting the seed of death in the readers mind is nothing short of morbid. It is such a sick, yet interesting approach to writing. "While it promises the most life, [For Whom the Bell Tolls]…delivers nothing but loss." (Tanner 76) As if