Characters and Setting
Plot Details
Themes and Symbolism
Literary Elements
War Context
100

This is the nationality of the soldiers advancing toward the bridge  

Fascists

100

This is the narrator's job at the bridge.

 watching for enemy advance/reconnaissance

100

The bridge represents this type of boundary in wartime.  

 front line/war zone

100

The story is told from this point of view.  

 first person

100

This is the war taking place during the story.

Spanish Civil War?

200

The old man was forced to leave this town due to artillery fire

San Carlos

200

The weather condition that the narrator mentions might help the old man.

 the overcast sky/cloudy

200

The old man symbolizes these innocent victims of war.

Innocent Civilians


200

 The story takes place during this specific time period in one day.

Easter Sunday

200

This side in the conflict is advancing toward the bridge.  

 Fascists/Nationalists

300

These are the three types of animals the old man cared for.

 goats, pigeons, and cats?

300

What the old man says happened to his animals when he evacuated.

he had to leave them behind

300

This theme is demonstrated through the old man's worry about his animals.

compassion/caring for others

300

This writing style Hemingway is famous for using in this story.


minimalist/spare prose

300

These people are fleeing across the bridge to escape the fighting.  

refugees/civilians