What is for whom the bell tolls?

For Whom the Bell Tolls is a novel by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1940. It tells the story of Robert Jordan, an American volunteer in the Spanish Civil War. Jordan is tasked with blowing up a bridge to aid a Republican offensive.

The novel explores themes of:

• Love: Jordan falls in love with Maria, a young Spanish woman traumatized by the war.
• Loyalty: Jordan's dedication to the Republican cause and his comrades is tested.
• Death: The ever-present reality of death and the meaning of sacrifice are central to the narrative.
• Courage: The characters face extreme danger and must find inner strength.
• Comradeship: The bond among the guerilla fighters.

The title is taken from a sermon by the English metaphysical poet John Donne, emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the Spanish landscape and culture.