Historical Contexts, Literary Voices: Exploring Resistance and Marginalized Narratives in Hemingway's 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' through a New Historicist Framework

Aishwarya Khale

Vol-9,Issue-1,January - February 2024

Author: Aishwarya Khale

Keywords: Ernest Hemingway, New Historicism, Postcolonialism, American Literature, Subaltern voices.

Abstract: Ernest Hemingway, celebrated for his prowess as both a journalist and literary artist, demonstrates a profound engagement with diverse societal strata and narrative dimensions in his works. This abstract explores Hemingway's thematic exploration of war, particularly within the Spanish landscapes of "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "A Farewell to Arms," highlighting the transcendence of national identity. Employing a New Historicist perspective, the deconstruction of Hemingway's narratives reveals the transformative potential of this critical approach in amplifying diverse voices. Despite his American origins, Hemingway's depiction of Spain goes beyond geographical boundaries, encapsulating universal narratives while providing a platform for marginalized voices. In "For Whom the Bell Tolls," Hemingway strategically incorporates supporting characters to amplify the voices of the marginalized, emphasizing an inclusive ethos aligned with New Historicism. The novel becomes a conduit for multiplicity, illustrating the traumatic repercussions of war on the human psyche. Hemingway, viewed through the lens of New Historicism, emerges as a custodian of war writing, constructing a framework that elucidates power structures and oppressive regimes. The metaphor of 'Alluvial soil' symbolizes the dynamic and evolving nature of historical narratives, promoting an acknowledgment of history as inherently multi-narrative. This paradigm shift encourages the acceptance that history is subjective and contributes to the cultivation of a transformative space for societal and cultural progress. Ultimately, Hemingway's narrative craftsmanship, interpreted through New Historicism, extends beyond literary exploration, evolving into a critical discourse that shapes collective consciousness and fosters societal transformation.

Article Info: Received: 30 Nov 2023; Received in revised form: 03 Jan 2023; Accepted: 10 Jan 2024; Available online: 17 Jan 2024

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.91.6