“‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ was a problem which I carried on each day. I knew what was going to happen in principle. But I invented what happened each day I wrote.”
- July 21, 1899 – July 2, 1961
- American
- Novelist, poet, journalist
- Wrote masterpieces such as “The Old Man and the Sea,” “A Farewell to Arms,” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954
Quote
“‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ was a problem which I carried on each day. I knew what was going to happen in principle. But I invented what happened each day I wrote.”
Explanation
In this quote, Hemingway reveals the process behind writing For Whom the Bell Tolls, where he balances an overarching sense of structure or direction with the freedom to create the events of the story on a daily basis. He acknowledges that he had a general understanding of the plot and what would eventually unfold, but the specific details and developments of the narrative were not predetermined. Instead, each day, as he wrote, Hemingway engaged in a process of discovery, inventing new elements of the story. This reflects his belief in the spontaneity and organic nature of writing—how the act of creation is as much about exploration and improvisation as it is about following a plan.
Hemingway’s approach to For Whom the Bell Tolls, a novel set during the Spanish Civil War, illustrates his mastery of creating a world that feels both real and immediate, even though he knew the general outcome. The complexity of the characters and the tension of their circumstances allowed Hemingway to explore new emotional and narrative territories each day. This method speaks to Hemingway’s trust in the process of writing—that through daily effort and creativity, the story would unfold naturally. Despite knowing the final destination of his plot, the act of writing each day allowed him to explore the human experience in the moment, providing the emotional authenticity that would make the novel resonate with readers.
In the modern context, this quote can be seen as a reflection of the creative process that many writers, artists, and creators experience today. It speaks to the tension between planning and spontaneity, and how sometimes the most compelling work comes from allowing the process to unfold as one goes along, rather than rigidly adhering to a set path. It also emphasizes the idea that even when we have a vision or goal, the act of creating can still be unpredictable and filled with invention. In a world where instant gratification and expectation often push for immediate results, Hemingway’s words remind us that creation is often a daily struggle, one that requires patience, adaptability, and the willingness to explore the unknown.
