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For the second time, Hemingway presents a complete chapter without
Robert Jordan. The scene is Gaylord\'s, the Madrid hotel occupied by
communist partizans and people of similar beliefs. These are the
people who preach a classless society with no special advantages to
any privileged group. They\'ve come to Spain to help bring power and
complete equality to the common people. Do they look and act like
austere, dedicated freedom fighters? Not exactly. They eat well, drink
well, and do not lack for sexual diversion. Living in the midst of a
besieged capital city, they\'re enjoying parties. The contrast with the
situation of people like Jordan and Maria is striking.
News of their Loyalist offensive scheduled for the following morning
has spread throughout the area. The reaction at Gaylord\'s to this
inexcusable, potentially fatal leak in security is laughter!
Once again we have to wonder why Hemingway painted his own side so
bleakly. Remember that he was writing after the war had been lost by
the Republicans, whom he favored. Perhaps he wanted to show that a
noble cause died at the hands of less-than-noble leaders. In any case,
here he describes one of the Republican inner circles as a group of
overstuffed, self-important oafs who throw parties in a time of
peril and use unfounded rumors to buoy their confidence.
An exception is the Soviet journalist Karkov, who may represent
Hemingway\'s own feelings. After talking with a few people at this
pre-attack celebration, he retires to his room at Gaylord\'s,
disgusted.
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