NIHILISM AND THE FUTILITY OF WAR: A NIETZSCHEAN READING OF HEMINGWAY’S FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS

Abstract

This paper explores the manifestations of nihilism and existential disillusionment in Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940) through the lens of Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical framework. The study investigates the collapse of traditional moral and religious values among the characters, their psychological trauma resulting from war, and their attempts—both successful and failed—to construct meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose. By focusing on key characters such as Robert Jordan, Anselmo, Pilar, and Maria, the research reveals how Hemingway portrays war as a catalyst for existential crisis. The analysis also incorporates Carter’s psychological study of sexual trauma, thereby highlighting the intersection of philosophical nihilism and emotional breakdown. Ultimately, the novel reflects Nietzsche's concept of passive and active nihilism, while subtly evoking the need for revaluation of values and the assertion of the will to power.