What Are The Best Quotes From Novel Ernest Hemingway Used In TV Series?

Hemingway’s novels have this timeless quality that makes them perfect for TV adaptations, and the quotes they pull from his works often hit harder when spoken aloud. One of my favorites is from 'The Sun Also Rises', where Jake Barnes says, 'You can’t get away from yourself by moving from one place to another.' It’s such a simple line, but it carries so much weight. I remember hearing it in a TV series where the main character was running from their past, and it just stopped me in my tracks. It’s one of those lines that feels like it’s speaking directly to you, no matter what you’re going through.

Another quote that’s been used brilliantly is from 'A Farewell to Arms': 'The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.' I heard this in a medical drama, of all places, and it fit so perfectly. The character was talking about resilience after a loss, and it just added this layer of depth to the scene. Hemingway’s ability to capture the human condition in so few words is unmatched, and when those words are delivered by a skilled actor, it’s pure magic.

Then there’s the iconic line from 'For Whom the Bell Tolls': 'Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee.' I’ve heard this in a few different shows, but the most memorable was in a political thriller. The character was reflecting on the consequences of their actions, and the quote just hung in the air, heavy with meaning. It’s a reminder that we’re all connected, and our choices ripple out in ways we can’t always see.

Hemingway’s quotes have this way of cutting through the noise and getting to the heart of things. They’re not flashy, but they stick with you. If you’re into shows that use literature to deepen their storytelling, I’d recommend 'The Wire'. It’s not directly tied to Hemingway, but it has that same raw, unflinching look at life. And if you’re looking for a book that feels like it could be a TV series, try 'The Night Circus' by Erin Morgenstern. It’s got that same blend of beauty and melancholy that Hemingway does so well.