108- American Literature paper No : 22401
Answer the following questions (Any two)
1) Critical Analysis of the end of the novel "For Whom the Bell Tolls".
Introduction :
"For whom the bell tolls" Published in 1940, classic fictional novel tells the story of Robert Jordan a young American volunteer attached to Republican Gorilla unit during the Spanish civil war. Published just after the end of Spanish civil war (1936 - 1939) Classic civil war and romantic novel. Sets in mountains of Spain. It is a tragic historic, war novel and love story.
About the Author
Ernest Hemingway
His Major Works:
The Old Man and the Sea (1952)
A Farewell to Arms (1929)
For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940)
The Sun Also Rises (1926)
To Have and Have Not (1937)
Personal life : married four times lived in various place like Paris and Key west.
Legacy : Influential figure in 20th century literature, known for his unique writing style and adventurous.
literary circles : mingled with influential writer like Gertrude stein and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
For Whom the Bell Tolls
About the Novel : 
List of characters:
- Robert Jordan
- Pillar
- Maria
- Anselmo
- Agustin
- Fernando
- Rafael
- Andres
- General golz
- Koshkin
This takes us back to Donne's idea of human community in the epigraph, and offers us one last opportunity to evaluate it. Robert Jordan is dying for others, and tells himself at one point "I don't mind this at all now that they are away […] Look how different it would be if they were all scattered out across that hill where the gray horse is [the gray horse is dead]" (43.384).
Yet, when it all comes down to it, he is left alone to face his pain and his own death, and feels at times the full force of that loneliness. We get the impression that at times he is just consciously telling himself things (as in the passage we just saw) to make easier on himself what is in reality very difficult. You might also wonder whether he really believes what he tells Maria to get her to leave him – that they are one, and that he will live on so long as she does – or whether he just tells her that so she doesn't die with him. So when all is said
Robert Jordan has throughout the book reconciled himself to his own death and to killing others (directly, or indirectly) by the importance it might have for "the cause." However, in this case, due to factors quite beyond his control, his own action contributes nothing to the cause. The attack as a whole is only a loss for the Republicans. Moreover, Robert Jordan had suspected that the attack itself would probably fail, which is why he'd written a report to the officer leading it.
Harmonizing Love and Duty:
Struggling to balance personal feelings with wartime duties, Robert's inner turmoil reaches resolution in a pivotal battle, symbolized by a passionate embrace with Maria.
Connection to Nature:
Connection to Nature:
Lying on the ground, holding onto the land he loves, Robert establishes a palpable connection to nature, symbolizing his commitment to defending his country and traditional values.
Cyclical Narrative Structure:
Cyclical Narrative Structure:
The circular narrative structure, with Robert lying on the forest floor at both the beginning and end, introduces cyclical motifs, emphasizing a discernible change. His strong heartbeat at the conclusion symbolizes transformation.
Symbolism of Heartbeat:
Symbolism of Heartbeat:
The beating heart becomes a symbolic manifestation of Robert's evolution, once an unconscious aspect, now representing life, vitality, and a newfound understanding of humanity.
Integration of Love and War:
Integration of Love and War:
Initially compartmentalizing love and war, Robert learns to love while facing the challenges of battle, symbolized by the beating heart at the end.
Final Declaration of Unity:
Final Declaration of Unity:
Shouting that he is with Maria serves as a powerful declaration of unity, reflecting a profound connection and shared purpose beyond mere romance.
"Border": Movie
War and Sacrifice:"Border" is a war film that delves into themes of sacrifice and camaraderie, paralleling the war-centric narrative in Hemingway's novel.
Human Connection in War:
The movie explores the human connections forged during wartime, similar to the bonds formed among the characters in "For Whom the Bell Tolls."
Emotional Resonance:
"Border" carries emotional resonance, capturing the struggles and sacrifices of soldiers, akin to the emotional depth found in Hemingway's portrayal of war.
While these examples may not be direct adaptations, they share thematic similarities with "For Whom the Bell Tolls," exploring the complexities of love, sacrifice, and human connections amidst challenging circumstances.
Conclusion :
In essence, the conclusion of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" paints a portrait of Robert Jordan's transformative journey, navigating the complexities of belief, love, and duty amidst the tumultuous backdrop of war.
3) Explain: Robert Jordan as a Typical Hemingway Hero.
In "For Whom the Bell Tolls," Ernest Hemingway paints Robert Jordan as a quintessential example of a Hemingway hero, embodying several characteristic traits synonymous with the author's protagonists.
Courage and Stoicism:
Like other Hemingway heroes, Robert Jordan is marked by his unwavering courage and stoicism in the face of adversity. He confronts the challenges of war with a sense of resilience and a calm demeanor.
Sense of Duty:
Hemingway heroes often exhibit a strong sense of duty, and Robert Jordan is no exception. His commitment to the guerilla mission and the broader cause mirrors the code of honor and duty prevalent in Hemingway's protagonists.
Physical Prowess:
Typical of Hemingway's heroes, Robert Jordan possesses physical prowess. He is skilled in the art of war, be it handling explosives or navigating the treacherous terrains of the Spanish mountains.
Existential Reflections:
Hemingway heroes frequently engage in existential reflections, contemplating the meaning of life and death. Robert Jordan is no different, grappling with profound questions about existence amidst the chaos of war.
Emotional Restraint:
Hemingway heroes are characterized by emotional restraint, often revealing more through what they do not say than what they express. Robert Jordan, too, maintains a certain emotional reserve, revealing his inner turmoil through actions rather than overt emotions.
Complex Relationships:
Hemingway's heroes often navigate complex relationships, and Robert Jordan is no exception. His romantic involvement with Maria is marked by passion, yet he grapples with the complexities of love amid the brutality of war.
Connection to Nature:
Hemingway heroes frequently share a deep connection with nature, finding solace and meaning in the natural world. Robert Jordan's affinity for the Spanish landscape and his moments of introspection amidst nature align with this characteristic.
Code of Honor: A Hemingway hero adheres to a personal code of honor, often transcending societal norms. Robert Jordan's commitment to his mission and his principles in the face of moral dilemmas reflects this adherence to a personal code.
Facing Mortality: Hemingway heroes confront mortality with a certain grace. Robert Jordan, faced with the uncertainties of war, grapples with the inevitability of death and the impact of his actions on his own existence.
Symbols of Death and Loss:
Hemingway heroes are often associated with symbols of death and loss. In Robert Jordan's case, the constant tolling of the bell serves as a poignant symbol, reminiscent of the broader theme of mortality prevalent in Hemingway's works.
Conclusion :
In brief Robert Jordan encapsulates the essence of a Hemingway hero, embodying traits such as courage, stoicism, a sense of duty, and complex relationships, all set against the backdrop of war and existential reflections.
Thank you,
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Words : 1287
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