A Bell for Adano, published in 1944 by John Hersey, is based on his experience in Sicily during his time there in World War II. While the story takes place in Adano, Italy - a fictional place - it is based off of true events. It starts on the first day of the Allied invasion in July, 1943. Just weeks before, fascists had stolen the town’s seven hundred year old bell to melt it down and use it in the war. An Italian-American officer takes charge of the town and earns respect and admiration from the townspeople by promising to find them a replacement bell. The officers actions and morals contribute to the concept of democracy and government. While there are multiple themes present throughout his novel, the theme of democracy connects the most
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The main plot of the novel is Joppolo’s attempt to find a new bell. The finding of this new bell represents democracy. The Priest of Adano, Father Pensovecchio, explained that the “bell was the center of the town. All life revolved around it . . . even we in the churches depended on that bell more than our own bells” (Hersey). When the bell was stolen, the life and freedom of the town was stolen. The effects of these fascist heartless acts help to convey how this authoritarian leadership style was one that did not benefit the people, but the government. The people do not know any other way of government, but after Joppolo and the Americans arrive, they are given hope from democracy. By the end of the novel, Major Joppolo finally procures a new bell for the town of Adano. It symbolizes both freedom and a new Italian-American friendship created through democracy and kindness. The new bell is from the destroyer U.S.S. Corelli, which was named after the Italian-American commander of the ship, Vincent Corelli. During World War I when an Italian frigate was in danger, Corelli rushed to aid them. This historical context to the bell makes it even more meaningful to the townspeople. As Joppolo is leaving his post in Adano for the last time, he can hear the new bell ringing as a symbol of freedom from oppression for the
The main plot of the novel is Joppolo’s attempt to find a new bell. The finding of this new bell represents democracy. The Priest of Adano, Father Pensovecchio, explained that the “bell was the center of the town. All life revolved around it . . . even we in the churches depended on that bell more than our own bells” (Hersey). When the bell was stolen, the life and freedom of the town was stolen. The effects of these fascist heartless acts help to convey how this authoritarian leadership style was one that did not benefit the people, but the government. The people do not know any other way of government, but after Joppolo and the Americans arrive, they are given hope from democracy. By the end of the novel, Major Joppolo finally procures a new bell for the town of Adano. It symbolizes both freedom and a new Italian-American friendship created through democracy and kindness. The new bell is from the destroyer U.S.S. Corelli, which was named after the Italian-American commander of the ship, Vincent Corelli. During World War I when an Italian frigate was in danger, Corelli rushed to aid them. This historical context to the bell makes it even more meaningful to the townspeople. As Joppolo is leaving his post in Adano for the last time, he can hear the new bell ringing as a symbol of freedom from oppression for the