Assignment 108: Robert Jordan - Hemingway Hero

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Personal Information

Name :  Makwana Bhargav Arvindbhai

Roll No : 01

Batch: M.A Sem 2 (2024-2026) 

Enrollment Number : 5108240018

Email : bhargavmakvana221@gmail.com

Assignment Details 

Topic :  Robert Jordan - Hemingway Hero 

Paper & subject Code  : 22401 Paper 108: The American Literature

Words :1859

Date of  Submission :  17 April 2025

Table of contents 

Introduction

• Ernest Hemingway 

• Literary works 

• Hemingway's Code: Literature and Life

• Hemingway Hero's 

         Characteristics 

         Believes & Values 

• Qualities of Hemingway Heroes- Robert Jordan 

• Comparison 

• Quotes & Original dialogues

• Conclusion 

• References  

 Robert Jordan - Hemingway Hero

Abstract

This paper examines the concept of the "Hemingway Hero" through the lens of Ernest Hemingway’s life, philosophy, and literary creations, with a focus on Robert Jordan from For Whom the Bell Tolls. The study begins by exploring Hemingway’s background, emphasizing how his experiences as a war correspondent, hunter, and adventurer influenced the creation of his iconic hero figure. These heroes—often soldiers, athletes, or hunters—live by a personal code defined by courage, loyalty, grace under pressure, and a stoic acceptance of death.

The paper analyzes Hemingway’s literary philosophy, highlighting that this code is not merely fictional but a reflection of Hemingway’s own way of life. Through the character of Robert Jordan, the qualities of the Hemingway Hero—bravery, independence, dignity, and resilience—are explored in depth. Despite knowing his mission may lead to death, Jordan maintains composure and loyalty, making him a prime example of "grace under pressure."

Further comparisons with other Hemingway protagonists—Jake Barnes, Frederic Henry, and Santiago—illustrate how this hero type varies in form but remains rooted in shared values. The study argues that Hemingway’s heroes are defined not by grand ideology but by their behavior in the face of suffering, conflict, and existential uncertainty. Ultimately, the paper concludes that the Hemingway Hero represents a deeply personal response to the absurdities of life, expressed through action, loyalty, and an unwavering code of honor.

1. Introduction

Ernest Hemingway, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, is renowned for his distinctive writing style and the creation of the "Hemingway Hero" or "Code Hero." To define the code to which Hemingway's heroes adhere, it is

important to recognize the manner in which they choose to live. Like Hemingway himself, they are all men of action—soldiers, athletes, hunters. Their choice of action forces them to live by rules of their own making. They know that their choice of action will eventually destroy them, but as long as they concentrate on sticking to the rules, the ineluctable destruction may be shoved back into the recesses of the unconscious Robert Jordan, the protagonist of For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), is one of the most iconic examples of the Hemingway Hero.

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2. Ernest Hemingway

Life and Background

Ernest Hemingway was born on July 21, 1899, in Oak Park, Illinois. He developed a passion for writing at a young age and began his career as a journalist. Hemingway’s experiences as an ambulance driver during World War I and as a war correspondent during the Spanish Civil War and World War II profoundly influenced his writing. His works often reflect themes of war, love, loss, and the human struggle for meaning.

Literary Career and Major Works

Hemingway’s literary career began with the publication of The Sun Also Rises (1926), which established him as a leading voice of the "Lost Generation." His other major works include A Farewell to Arms (1929), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), and The Old Man and the Sea (1952). Hemingway’s writing is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and emotional depth, earning him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954.

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3. HEMINGWAY'S CODE: LITERATURE AND LIFE

The code to Ernest Hemingway was more than just a contrived philosophy created for his fictional heroes. Like his heroes, Hemingway had been actively engaged in war, he had hunted big game in Africa and had fished in deep seas, and he had been an aficionado of the ball-game as well as the bull-fight. And like his heroes, Heming

Way's participation in the life-game was regulated by his code. "I did not mind killing anything, any animal," he wrote of his hunting expedition in Green Hills of Africa, "if I killed it cleanly." 

Hemingway code one must have an inordinate amount of courage. For at the very core of the code is the demand that the hero face defeat and even death, if necessary, with grace and knowledge.

For Instance Robert Jordan's destruction is inevitable, but he is not defeated when he answers the question, "I think it would be all right to do it now? Don't you?" with "No, it isn't. Because there is still something you can do. As long as you know what it is you have to do it. As long as you remember what it is you have to wait for that. Come on. Let them come. Let them come. Let them come" 

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4. Hemingway Heroes

Characteristics

For Hemingway's heroes Death is the end of all things, it then becomes the duty and the obligation of the Hemingway hero to avoid death at almost all cost. Life must continue. Life is valuable and enjoyable. Life is everything. Death is nothing. With this view in mind it might seem strange then to the casual or superficial reader that the Hemingway code hero will often be placed in an encounter with death, or that the Hemingway hero will choose often to confront death. The bullfighters, the wild game hunters — characters like these are in constant confrontation with death. From this we derive then the idea of grace under pressure.

• Courageous: They face danger and adversity with bravery.

• Dignified: They maintain their composure and integrity in difficult situations.

• Self-reliant: They rely on their own strength and judgment.

• Disillusioned: They are often disillusioned by the world but continue to strive for meaning.

Beliefs and Values

Hemingway Heroes are guided by a personal code of honor that emphasizes:

• Grace under pressure: The ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity.

• Loyalty: Commitment to their principles and to those they care about.

• Resilience: The capacity to endure suffering and continue fighting.

• Authenticity: A commitment to living authentically and true to oneself.

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5. Qualities of Hemingway Heroes: Robert Jordan

Courage and Bravery

Robert Jordan, an American volunteer in the Spanish Civil War, exemplifies courage and bravery. He undertakes the dangerous mission of blowing up a bridge behind enemy lines, knowing the risks involved. His willingness to sacrifice himself for the cause reflects his commitment to his ideals.The Hemingway hero feels that if he is not accepted in one group he makes no intentions to join that group. in For Whom the Bell Tolls because Robert Jordan does feel a sense of loyalty to the Spanish land. He enters

the war partly for this reason. But his most intense feelings of loyalty are for a small guerilla band with whom he works behind the lines in Spain. 

Dignity and Grace Under Pressure

Throughout the novel, Jordan maintains his dignity and composure, even in the face of death. His ability to remain calm and focused under pressure is a hallmark of the Hemingway Hero.

Self-reliance and Independence

Jordan is a self-reliant and independent character who relies on his own judgment and skills. He takes responsibility for his actions and decisions, demonstrating his strength and resilience.

Disillusionment and Idealism

Despite his disillusionment with the war and its complexities, Jordan remains committed to his mission and ideals. His struggle to reconcile his idealism with the harsh realities of war reflects the inner conflict of the Hemingway Hero.

6. Comparison with Other Hemingway Heroes

Jake Barnes (The Sun Also Rises)

Jake Barnes, the protagonist of The Sun Also Rises, shares many qualities with Robert Jordan, including courage and resilience. However, Jake’s physical and emotional wounds from World War I make him more passive and resigned, whereas Jordan is more active and determined.

In The Sun Also Rises, Jake Barnes cannot understand why people like Robert Cohn keep hanging around where they are not wanted. Jake Barnes knows that there are enough people in the world who think like him, who like him, so that he has no intention of associating with people of another nature.

This attitude leads to the concept of the loyalty that a Hemingway hero feels for other people. He feels an intense loyalty for a small group of people. Like Robert  Jordan fell for the gorilla group in For Whom the Bell Tolls. 

Frederic Henry (A Farewell to Arms)

Frederic Henry, the protagonist of A Farewell to Arms, is another example of the Hemingway Hero. Like Jordan, he is disillusioned by war and seeks meaning in love and personal relationships. However, Frederic’s story ends in tragedy, highlighting the futility of war and the fragility of human connections.

Santiago (The Old Man and the Sea)

Ernest Hemingway's renowned novel, "The Old Man and the Sea," delves into the profound depths of the human spirit, exploring themes of determination, resilience, and the quest for meaning in an indifferent world. At the heart of the narrative lies the protagonist, Santiago, whose journey is a powerful allegory for the existential struggles of man’s life. Despite seemingly insurmountable challenges, Santiago emerges as a beacon of hope and perseverance. His unwavering courage and enduring patience propel him on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Through Santiago's relentless battle with the marlin and the unforgiving elements of the sea, Hemingway crafts a compelling allegory for the broader human experience.

Santiago's struggle against the forces of nature mirrors humanity's eternal quest for purpose and significance in a world that often appears indifferent and absurd. Despite the odds against him, Santiago embodies heroism, stoicism, and humanism. His unwavering resolve in the face of adversity is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through Santiago's triumphs and tribulations, Hemingway offers profound insights into the human condition and the quest for meaning. 

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7. Quotes and Original Dialogues

Quote 1: Robert Jordan on Courage

"There is nothing else than now. There is neither yesterday, certainly, nor is there any tomorrow. How few things there are one can be certain of."

This quote reflects Jordan’s focus on the present moment and his acceptance of the uncertainty of life. It highlights his courage and determination to face whatever comes his way.

Quote 2: Robert Jordan on Love and Sacrifice

"I have fought for what I believed in for a year now. If we win here, we will win everywhere."

This quote demonstrates Jordan’s commitment to his ideals and his willingness to sacrifice himself for the cause. It reflects his belief in the importance of fighting for what is right, even at great personal cost.

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8. Conclusion

In conclusion, the Hemingway hero is a man whose concepts are shaped by his view of death, that in the face of death a man must perform certain acts and these acts often involve enjoying or taking the most he can from life. The Hemingway man will not talk about his concepts. Thus to formulate them as we have done here is a violation of the concept. He is a man of intense loyalty to a small group because he cannot accept abstract things. He must need the definite, the concrete. He does not talk too much. He expresses himself not in words but in actions. Consequently, most of Hemingway's novels are based upon action. The Hemingway hero then is not a thinker; he is a man of action. But his acts are based upon a concept of life.

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9. References

1. Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom the Bell Tolls. New York: Scribner, 1940.

2. Hemingway, Ernest. The Sun Also Rises. New York: Scribner, 1926.

3. Hemingway, Ernest. A Farewell to Arms. New York: Scribner, 1929.

4. Hemingway, Ernest. The Old Man and the Sea. New York: Scribner, 1952.

5. Motola, Gabriel. “HEMINGWAY’S CODE: LITERATURE AND LIFE.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 10, no. 4, 1964, pp. 319–29. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26278764. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

6. Shamim, Rashda, et al. “Character Analysis of Robert Jordan and Santiago: The Sublime Parables of the Unconquerable Human Spirit Against the Heavy Odds.” Journal of Humanities, Music and Dance, vol. 4, no. 5, 2024, pp. 1–10. ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/383010515_Character_Analysis_of_Robert_Jordan_and_Santiago_The_Sublime_Parables_of_the_Unconquerable_Human_Spirit_against_the_Heavy_Odds.

7. Manea, Camelia  Maria. “Teaching Hemingway. the Typical and the ‘Atypical’ Hero; Heroism and Heroes.” ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/321824979_Teaching_Hemingway_The_Typical_and_the_’Atypical’_Hero_Heroism_and_Heroes. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

Assignment 107: Importance & Role of Language in 1984

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Personal Information

Name :  Makwana Bhargav

Roll No : 01

Batch: M.A Sem 2 (2024-2026) 

Enrollment Number : 5108240018

Email : bhargavmakvana221@gmail.com

• Assignment Details 

Topic : Importance & Role of Language 

Paper & subject Code  : 22400 Paper 107: The Twentieth Century Literature 

Words : 1752

Date of  Submission :  17 April 2025

Table of contents 

Introduction

• Introduction

• George Orwell: Basic Information

Early Life and Education

Literary Career and Major Works

Political Views and Influences

• Importance & Role of Language

• The Use of Language in 1984

• 
  

Newspeak: The Language of Oppression

Doublethink: The Manipulation of Reality

The Role of Propaganda

• Act of Typing

• Original Dialogues from the Novel

• Comparison with Orwell’s Other Works

Animal Farm: Satire and Allegory

Homage to Catalonia: Political Commitment

Down and Out in Paris and London: Social Realism

• Conclusion

• References

 Importance & Role of Language  in 1984 

Abstract

This assignment examines the crucial role of language in George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984, highlighting how it functions as a tool of both oppression and resistance. Orwell presents a totalitarian regime where the manipulation of language serves as a primary method of control. Through the invention of Newspeak, the ideology of Doublethink, and the pervasive use of propaganda, the Party seeks to restrict thought, alter reality, and erase the past. Central to the analysis is the concept that language shapes perception, as reflected in Wittgenstein’s notion that “the limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” The act of typing, represented by Winston’s secret diary, emerges as a symbolic gesture of reclaiming truth and individuality in a society dominated by enforced uniformity. The assignment also draws parallels with Orwell’s other works, such as Animal Farm, Homage to Catalonia, and Down and Out in Paris and London, to underscore Orwell’s enduring concern with political language and power. Ultimately, 1984 is not only a critique of totalitarianism but also a powerful reminder of the essential relationship between language, freedom, and human thought.

1. Introduction

George Orwell’s 1984 is a seminal work of dystopian literature that explores the dangers of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the manipulation of language. Published in 1949, the novel presents a chilling vision of a future society where the Party, led by the omnipresent Big Brother, controls every aspect of life, including thought and language. Language, in particular, plays a central role in the novel, serving as a tool for oppression and control, as Language does not only shape  thought & reality but it also provides Ultimate Power to those who are in Authority and who knows how to use it to shape people's opinions . Importance of language can be understood by Wittgenstein who contended that “the limits of my language mean the limits of my world.” 

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2. George Orwell: Basic Information

• Early Life and Education

George Orwell, born Eric Arthur Blair on June 25, 1903, in Motihari, India, was the son of a British colonial official. He moved to England with his mother and siblings at a young age and was educated at prestigious schools, including Eton College. Orwell’s experiences at Eton, where he was exposed to socialist ideas, shaped his political views and literary career.

• Literary Career and Major Works

Orwell’s literary career began with his experiences as a colonial police officer in Burma, which inspired his first novel, Burmese Days (1934). He later lived in poverty in Paris and London, an experience that informed his semi-autobiographical work Down and Out in Paris and London (1933). Orwell’s most famous works include Animal Farm (1945), a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution, and 1984 (1949), a dystopian novel that critiques totalitarianism.

• Political Views and Influences

Orwell was a committed socialist and anti-fascist, but he was also critical of the authoritarian tendencies within the socialist movement. Animal Farm and 1984, Orwell is one of the greatest anti-communist and anti-totalitarian writers of the 20th century.

 Stanford English Professor Alex Woloch during his Writing Finds out that Orwell’s 1946 essay “Why I Write” reflects his primary political orientation. In it, Orwell famously stated: “Every line of serious work I have written since 1936 has been written, directly or indirectly, against totalitarianism and for democratic socialism, as I understand it.” 

3. Importance & Role of Language

One of the central arguments in George Orwell’s 1984 is that language plays a fundamental role in shaping human thought. Orwell suggests that if language were to be centrally controlled by a political authority, it could be manipulated to such an extent that it would limit not only what individuals can express, but also what they are able to think. By systematically reducing and redefining vocabulary—as seen in the creation of Newspeak.

In 1984, language was not merely a means of communication but a powerful tool for controlling and manipulating reality. The Party’s creation of Newspeak, a simplified and restricted language, exemplifies its efforts to limit freedom of thought and eliminate dissent.

Orwell’s exploration of language in 1984 highlights its dual role as both a weapon of oppression and a potential instrument of resistance. By controlling language, the Party seeks to control thought, ensuring its absolute power over society. However, the protagonist, Winston Smith, attempts to resist this control by reclaiming language through his diary and his relationship with Julia.

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4. The Use of Language in 1984

Newspeak: The Language of Oppression

Newspeak is the official language of Oceania, designed to replace Oldspeak (Standard English) and eliminate the possibility of rebellious thoughts. The vocabulary of Newspeak is continually reduced, with words being removed or redefined to narrow the range of thought. For example, the word "free" no longer means "politically free" but only "free from" (e.g., "The dog is free from lice").

The ultimate goal of Newspeak is to make thoughtcrime impossible by eliminating the words needed to express rebellious ideas. As Syme, a Party linguist, explains:

"Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end, we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible because there will be no words in which to express it."

In the appendix to Nineteen Eighty-Four, Orwell explains that Newspeak often uses shortened words, or abbreviations. He points out that even in the early 1900s, political language was already using this style, especially in totalitarian countries. Some examples he gives are “Nazi,” “Gestapo,” “Komintern,” “Inprecorr,” and “Agitprop.” Orwell says that from a totalitarian point of view, abbreviations are useful because they limit and change the meaning of words. This way, people don’t think too deeply or emotionally about what the words really stand for.

• Doublethink: The Manipulation of Reality

Doublethink is the ability to hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously and accept both as true. This concept is closely tied to the Party’s manipulation of language and reality. For example, the Party’s slogans—"War is Peace," "Freedom is Slavery," and "Ignorance is Strength"—embody the principles of Doublethink, forcing citizens to accept absurd contradictions as truth.

• The Role of Propaganda

The Party uses language as a tool of propaganda to maintain its power and control. The telescreens, newspapers, and posters constantly broadcast messages that reinforce the Party’s ideology and suppress dissent. The rewriting of historical records, a task performed by Winston at the Ministry of Truth, ensures that the Party’s version of reality is the only one that exists.

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5. Act of Typing

The act of typing in 1984 symbolizes Winston’s attempt to reclaim language and assert his individuality. Winston’s diary, which he begins writing in secret, represents a form of resistance against the Party’s control over language and thought. By recording his thoughts and memories, Winston seeks to preserve the truth and maintain a connection to the past.

However, the act of typing is also fraught with danger. Winston knows that if he is caught, he will be severely punished for thoughtcrime. Despite this risk, he continues to write, demonstrating the power of language as a tool for self-expression and resistance.

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6. Original Dialogues from the Novel

Dialogue 1: Winston and Syme on Newspeak

Syme: "Don’t you see that the whole aim of Newspeak is to narrow the range of thought? In the end, we shall make thoughtcrime literally impossible because there will be no words in which to express it."

Winston: "But the whole literature of the past will have been destroyed. Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Byron—they’ll exist only in Newspeak versions, not merely changed into something different, but actually changed into something contradictory of what they used to be."

This dialogue highlights the destructive power of Newspeak and its implications for culture and history.

Dialogue 2: Winston and O’Brien on Reality

O’Brien: "Reality is not external. Reality exists in the human mind, and  nowhere else. Not in the individual mind, which can make mistakes, and in any case soon perishes; only in the mind of the Party, which is collective and immortal."

Winston: "But the world itself, the past—is it real?"

O’Brien: "No. The past is whatever the Party chooses to make it."

This exchange illustrates the Party’s manipulation of reality through language and its control over historical truth.

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7. Comparison with Orwell’s Other Works

Animal Farm: Satire and Allegory

Animal Farm (1945) is a satirical allegory of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Like 1984, it explores themes of power, manipulation, and the corruption of ideals. However, while 1984 uses a dystopian framework, Animal Farm employs animal characters and a fable-like structure to critique totalitarianism. Both works highlight Orwell’s concern with the abuse of power and the manipulation of language.

Homage to Catalonia: Political Commitment

Homage to Catalonia (1938) is Orwell’s memoir of his experiences during the Spanish Civil War. It reflects his commitment to democratic socialism and his opposition to totalitarianism. While 1984 is a fictional exploration of these themes, Homage to Catalonia provides a firsthand account of Orwell’s political ideals and experiences.

Down and Out in Paris and London: Social Realism

Down and Out in Paris and London (1933) is a semi-autobiographical work that depicts the lives of the poor and marginalized. It reflects Orwell’s commitment to social justice and his belief in the power of literature to expose social inequalities. While 1984 focuses on the dangers of totalitarianism, Down and Out highlights the struggles of the working class and the importance of empathy and solidarity.

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8. Conclusion

In 1984, George Orwell demonstrated the profound power of language to shape reality and control thought. Through the creation of Newspeak, the manipulation of Doublethink, and the use of propaganda, the Party seeks to eliminate dissent and maintain its absolute power. However, Winston’s act of typing and his attempts to preserve the truth highlight the potential of language as a tool for resistance and self-expression.

Orwell’s exploration of language in 1984 serves as a warning about the dangers of linguistic manipulation and the importance of preserving freedom of thought and expression. The novel remains a powerful and relevant critique of totalitarianism and the abuse of language in the modern world.

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9. References

1. Chomsky, Noam. Language and Politics. Oakland: AK Press, 2004.

2. Dag, O. “George Orwell.” George Orwell: Why I Write, orwell.ru/library/essays/wiw/english/e_wiw#google_vignette. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

3. “George Orwell.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 29 Mar. 2025, www.britannica.com/biography/George-Orwell.

4. Huneke, Samuel. “Stanford Professor Uncovers the Roots of George Orwell’s Political Language.” StanfordReport, news.stanford.edu/stories/2016/02/orwell-alex-woloch-021516#:~:text=However%2C%20a%20key%20Cold%20War,%2C%20as%20I%20understand%20it%E2%80%9D%20%E2%80%93. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.

5. Orwell, George. 1984. London: Secker & Warburg, 1949.

6. Orwell, George. Animal Farm. London: Secker & Warburg, 1945.

7. Orwell, George. Down and Out in Paris and London. London: Victor Gollancz, 1933.

8. Orwell, George. Homage to Catalonia. London: Secker & Warburg, 1938.

9. “Orwell, George.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, https://iep.utm.edu/george-orwell/. Accessed 12 April 2025.

10. Škaroupka, Petr. “Language and Power in the Work of George Orwell.” ResearchGate, www.researchgate.net/publication/330113083_Language_and_Power_in_the_Work_of_George_Orwell. Accessed 12 Apr. 2025.