Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls - Themes of Dying and Not Dying - Lecture 18

Explore the intricate themes of mortality in Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" through this 47-minute Yale University lecture. Delve into Professor Wai Chee Dimock's analysis of dying and not dying, examining the aesthetic and ethical implications of death scenes. Investigate the tragic-comic elements of characters refusing to die, the symbolism of death's scent, and the complex use of the word "cobarde" (coward). Gain insights into Hemingway's portrayal of the American Civil War, his own suicide, and the various manifestations of death throughout the novel. Discover how the execution of Fascists, a bullfighter's demise, and the characterization of key figures contribute to the rich tapestry of mortality in this literary masterpiece. Note that the lecture contains graphic content and adult language that some viewers may find disturbing.