the trip to spain resulted in two works: a play called "the fifth column", and a novel called "for whom the bell tolls". the novel tells the story of an american who has chosen to fight against the fascists. he realizes that there are lies and injustice on his side. but he sees no hope except the victory of his side. during the fighting, he escapes his fear of death and of being alone. he decides that "he can live as full a life in seventy hours as in seventy years."