For Whom the Bell Tolls

“‘I do not like to ask people to do such thing and in such a way,’ Golz went on. ‘I could not order you to do it. I understand what you may be forced to do through my putting such condition.’”

Even before the foreshadowing of Pilar’s palm reading, Hemingway hints at the possible failure of the Republican offensive in the moment of Robert receiving his orders. Golz and Robert both understand that the order Golz is giving requires great risk; Robert accepts his mission with open eyes.

“‘I would rather not know,’ Robert Jordan said. ‘Good,’ said Golz. ‘It is less of baggage to carry with you on the other side, yes?’ ‘I would always rather not know. Then, no matter what can happen, it was not me that talked.’”

The narrative reveals The Brutality of War obliquely in the earliest chapters. The reason Republicans and guerrilla fighters have to worry about being captured is because they know fascists torture their captives to gain information about their enemies.

“[Y]ou do know that he is going bad fast and without hiding it. When he starts to hide it he will have made a decision. Remember that, he told himself. The first friendly thing he does, he will have made a decision.”

Hemingway foreshadows that Pablo will betray Robert and the other guerrilleros. Hemingway will call back to this moment when Pablo does so, having Robert kick himself for not recognize the moment of friendliness that he warns himself here to look out for.