For Whom the Bell Tolls Lesson Plan

Compare and contrast Anselmo and Agustín. What is significant about Anselmo’s reluctance to kill? What is significant about Agustín’s readiness to kill? What do those attitudes reveal about the army’s mental state?

Certainly, students will be more sympathetic with either Anselmo or Agustín. They might see Anselmo as heroic for participating in the fight without sacrificing his principles, or they might see Agustín as embracing the difficult parts of his duties. However, students should recognize that the mindsets reveal that the rebels are facing a crisis point.

Should the rebels have helped El Sordo? What is the advantage to helping El Sordo? What is the advantage to...