For Whom the Bell Tolls

For Whom the Bell Tolls Summary | Chapter 1 Summary

Hemingway begins the book with Robert Jordan and an elderly peasant man named Anselmo in the mountains of Spain during the Spanish Civil War. Jordan is on a mission from General Golz to blow up an enemy bridge and Anselmo has been his guide. Jordan thinks forgetting Anselmo's name is a bad omen. They discuss where to hide the explosives and the distance to the bridge.

Robert Jordan and General Golz discuss the coming attack. They arrive at a plan as to when Jordan will blow the bridge, as it cannot happen too far in advance of the attack. Golz tells him to blow the bridge when the attack begins. It is very important that the bridge be blown to cut off the enemy's supply lines. Golz asks Jordan if he likes "partizan work" which is a Russian term for guerilla work. Jordan replies that he likes working in the open air.

Robert Jordan was drinking from a stream when he saw Anselmo approaching with another man, also dressed like a peasant. Anselmo introduces Pablo and tells Jordan that he is the boss in the area. Pablo asks for proof of Jordan's identity, but he cannot read the document. Anselmo points out the seals at the bottom of the document. Jordan tells Pablo he has heard that Pablo is an excellent guerilla leader. Pablo is suspicious and asks where he heard that. He is upset further when Jordan refuses to tell him which bridge will be blown.

Anselmo speaks in Spanish, telling Pablo to pick up the explosives for the sake of his people. Pablo carries the bag and leads them to his horses. He asks Jordan if he sees any defects and Jordan realizes Pablo is using this as a test. Jordan points out defects in a few of the horses. Pablo talks about civilian guards killed by his group and asks about Kashkin, who blew up a train with Pablo. Jordan tells him that Kashkin died last April.

Jordan and Pablo discuss the mission and Pablo is concerned for his people and the repercussions that will follow the attack. Jordan tells him that he is there for duty and will find others to help him if Pablo refuses. Anselmo and Pablo exchange barbs about duty and in the end, Pablo picks up the pack and they start walking. Jordan takes this as a good sign. As they walk, Jordan thinks the gay ones are better off. The job was overwhelming and it was difficult to be gay. There were not many happy men left.