Two Pillars of Courage in Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls

Heroism Beyond the Battlefield: A Study of Robert Jordan and Pilar

This blog is written as part of a classroom assignment given by Megha Ma’am and focuses on Ernest Hemingway’s novel For Whom the Bell Tolls. The novel, set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, explores complex themes such as war, sacrifice, love, ideology, and human responsibility. Through an analysis of key characters like Robert Jordan, Pilar, and Maria, as well as narrative techniques such as flashback, this blog attempts to understand how Hemingway presents different forms of courage and humanity in times of conflict. Special attention is given to Maria’s ideological and biological roles, which reveal how personal suffering and love are intertwined with political struggle in the novel. 

 Explain: Robert Jordan as a Typical Hemingway Hero:

Ernest Hemingway’s heroes are often described as “Hemingway Code Heroes” characters who face a violent and uncertain world with courage, discipline, and dignity. In For Whom the Bell Tolls, Robert Jordan strongly represents this ideal. Through his calm bravery, sense of duty, emotional control, and final sacrifice, Jordan clearly emerges as a typical Hemingway hero.

1. Courage in the Face of Danger and Death:

A typical Hemingway hero confronts danger without fear or exaggeration. Robert Jordan accepts the mission of blowing up the bridge even though he knows it may lead to his death. He does not complain or seek glory.

When he is wounded and unable to escape, he still prepares himself calmly for death:

“He lay quietly and tried to hold himself very calm.”

This quiet acceptance of danger reflects Hemingway’s idea that true courage lies in endurance, not dramatic action.

2. Self-Control and Emotional Discipline:

Hemingway’s heroes believe that emotions must be controlled to survive and act responsibly. Robert Jordan constantly reminds himself to think clearly, even under extreme pressure.

He tells himself:

“You have to think about things and not let them happen to you.”

This shows his mental discipline. Even when afraid or in pain, Jordan does not allow emotion to overpower reason, which is a key trait of a Hemingway hero.

3. Sense of Duty and Responsibility:

Robert Jordan has a strong sense of duty. Once he accepts the mission, he commits himself fully to it. Even when he doubts the leadership or realizes the mission may fail, he does not abandon his responsibility.

His belief in duty is clear when he reflects:

“The duty of a soldier is to do what he is told.”

At the end of the novel, his decision to stay behind so that others can escape is the highest expression of his responsibility and honour.

4. Stoic Acceptance of Fate:

A typical Hemingway hero accepts fate without complaint. Robert Jordan knows that his injury will lead to his death, yet he does not express self-pity or fear. Instead, he prepares himself mentally.

His calm acceptance is reflected in the line:

“There is no one thing that is true. Everything is true.”

This shows his philosophical understanding of life and death and his acceptance of reality as it is.

5. Love Without Weakness or Sentimentality:

Love in Hemingway’s world does not weaken the hero. Robert Jordan’s love for Maria gives meaning to his life but does not distract him from his duty.

He realizes the depth of their bond when he thinks:

“One does not love for a long time, but when one loves, it is for ever.”

Even so, he does not choose personal happiness over duty, showing emotional balance and discipline.

6. Moral Integrity and Individual Code:

Hemingway’s heroes follow their own moral code rather than blind ideology. Robert Jordan supports the Republican cause but is disturbed by unnecessary violence and cruelty.

He reflects on human responsibility with the famous line:

“No man is an island, entire of itself.”

This belief shows his moral depth and concern for humanity beyond political divisions.

Conclusion:

Robert Jordan perfectly represents the typical Hemingway hero. He shows courage without showiness, emotional control under pressure, loyalty to duty, acceptance of death, and moral integrity. Though he is physically defeated at the end, he remains morally victorious. Through Robert Jordan, Hemingway suggests that true heroism lies in facing suffering and death with dignity, discipline, and honour.

4) Write your views on the very brave character, Pilar

My Views on the Very Brave Character Pilar:

Pilar is one of the most powerful and memorable characters in Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls. She is not brave in the traditional sense of a soldier on the battlefield, but her courage is emotional, moral, and practical. Through Pilar, Hemingway presents a different kind of heroism one rooted in endurance, wisdom, and inner strength.

First, Pilar shows great moral courage. She openly criticizes Pablo when he becomes selfish and cowardly. At a time when others fear confrontation, Pilar speaks the truth without hesitation. Her ability to stand against Pablo’s authority proves her fearless nature and strong sense of right and wrong.

Secondly, Pilar demonstrates emotional strength. She has witnessed extreme violence and suffering during the Spanish Civil War, especially in the horrifying massacre she narrates. Despite this trauma, she remains mentally strong and continues to support the group. Instead of allowing past horrors to destroy her, she turns experience into wisdom.

Pilar is also brave as a leader. When Pablo becomes unreliable, Pilar takes responsibility for guiding the group. She motivates the fighters, maintains discipline, and ensures the mission’s success. Her leadership is practical and decisive, showing courage through action rather than words.

Another important aspect of Pilar’s bravery is her selflessness. She puts the success of the mission and the safety of others above her own comfort. She supports Robert Jordan, helps Maria recover from trauma, and encourages hope even in desperate situations.

Finally, Pilar represents spiritual and symbolic courage. As a gypsy woman with intuitive insight, she senses danger and fate. Yet she does not surrender to fear. Instead, she accepts uncertainty with strength, embodying the resilience of the common people during war.

Pilar is one of the most powerful, complex, and courageous characters in Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls. Unlike traditional war heroes who show bravery through physical combat, Pilar’s courage is expressed through moral strength, emotional endurance, leadership, and compassion. Hemingway presents her as a symbol of inner strength and human resilience in the brutal conditions of the Spanish Civil War.

1. Moral Courage and Fearless Honesty:

Pilar’s greatest strength lies in her moral courage. She is never afraid to speak the truth, even when it puts her at risk. When Pablo becomes selfish, cowardly, and obsessed with his own safety, Pilar openly criticizes him. While others remain silent out of fear, Pilar confronts him directly and exposes his weakness.

“I have never seen thee so cowardly.”

This fearless honesty shows that Pilar values truth and justice more than comfort or safety. Her courage lies in standing up for what is right, even against her own partner. This moral bravery makes her one of the strongest characters in the novel.

2. Emotional Strength and Endurance of Suffering:

Pilar has witnessed extreme violence during the Spanish Civil War, especially in the horrifying massacre of Fascists that she narrates. This scene reveals not only the cruelty of war but also Pilar’s emotional strength. Despite seeing such brutality, she remains mentally strong and does not allow trauma to destroy her spirit.

“I have never seen such things and I hope never to see them again.”

Instead of breaking down, Pilar transforms her painful memories into wisdom. She accepts suffering as part of life and continues to support others. Her ability to endure emotional pain without losing humanity highlights her deep inner bravery.

3. Pilar as a Natural and Brave Leader:

When Pablo fails as a leader due to fear and greed, Pilar naturally assumes responsibility. She guides the group, maintains discipline, and supports Robert Jordan’s mission. Her leadership is not based on authority or force but on experience, intelligence, and moral clarity.

“It is I who know what should be done.”

Pilar’s bravery is practical. She takes difficult decisions when others hesitate and keeps the group united in moments of crisis. This makes her a true leader in both action and spirit.

4. Selflessness and Compassion for Others:

Another important aspect of Pilar’s bravery is her selflessness. She consistently places the needs of others above her own. She protects Maria, comforts her after her traumatic past, and helps her regain confidence and emotional stability. Pilar also supports Robert Jordan, offering him strength and guidance.

“The poor girl has suffered much.”

Her compassion proves that bravery is not only about toughness but also about care and empathy. Pilar’s kindness strengthens the group emotionally and gives them hope in desperate circumstances.

5. Courage to Face and Tell the Truth of War:

Pilar’s narration of the massacre is one of the most powerful scenes in the novel. It requires immense courage to recall and describe such brutality honestly. Pilar does not romanticize violence or hide its ugliness. Instead, she presents war as morally destructive and terrifying.

“This is what war is like.” 

By telling the truth, Pilar forces others to confront the reality of violence. This willingness to face painful truth is another form of bravery that Hemingway deeply values.

6. Spiritual and Symbolic Courage:

As a gypsy woman, Pilar possesses intuitive and spiritual insight. She senses danger, fate, and approaching death. However, she does not surrender to fear or superstition. Instead, she accepts uncertainty with calm strength.

“I am not afraid of what comes.” 

Symbolically, Pilar represents the courage and endurance of ordinary people who survive war not through power or weapons, but through inner strength and acceptance.

7. Pilar as a True Hemingway Hero:

Though Pilar is not a soldier, she clearly embodies the qualities of a Hemingway hero. She accepts reality without illusion, endures pain silently, acts selflessly, and maintains dignity under pressure. Hemingway challenges traditional gender roles by presenting a woman as one of the bravest characters in the novel.

Her bravery proves that heroism is not limited to men or combat, but exists wherever there is courage, responsibility, and humanity.

Conclusion

In For Whom the Bell Tolls, Pilar emerges as a truly brave character whose courage is moral, emotional, and spiritual rather than physical. She shows bravery through honesty, leadership, endurance, compassion, and acceptance of harsh reality. Hemingway presents her as a pillar of strength in a collapsing world, proving that true bravery lies not in violence or authority, but in the ability to endure suffering, guide others, and protect human values during times of crisis.

References:

Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom the Bell Tolls. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 21 Oct. 1940, United States.