"Hills Like White Elephants" is a short story written by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1927. It is a classic example of Hemingway's minimalistic writing style, in which he uses dialogue and subtle hints to convey the underlying themes and conflicts of the story.
One of the main themes of "Hills Like White Elephants" is the power dynamic between the two main characters, Jig and the American man. Jig is a young woman who is pregnant and considering having an abortion, while the American man is trying to persuade her to go through with the procedure. The story takes place at a train station in Spain, and the two characters are waiting for a train to Madrid.
Throughout the story, the American man is portrayed as being manipulative and selfish, while Jig is depicted as being more passive and hesitant. The American man consistently tries to persuade Jig to have the abortion, using phrases like "It's really not anything" and "It's just to let the air in," in an attempt to downplay the procedure and make it seem like no big deal. However, Jig is clearly not convinced and is struggling with the decision.
One of the main symbols in the story is the white elephant, which represents the abortion. In many cultures, white elephants are considered to be sacred and are often given as gifts to powerful rulers. In this story, the white elephant symbolizes the abortion and the power dynamic between Jig and the American man. The American man is trying to give Jig the "gift" of an abortion, but it is clear that Jig is not comfortable with this decision and is being pressured into it by the American man.
Another important theme in the story is the idea of communication and the lack thereof. Throughout the story, Jig and the American man have a conversation that is filled with tension and underlying meanings. They use code words and phrases to talk about the abortion, and their true feelings and desires are left unsaid. This lack of honest communication highlights the lack of intimacy and understanding between the two characters.
In conclusion, "Hills Like White Elephants" is a powerful and thought-provoking story that explores themes of power dynamics, communication, and the complexities of relationships. Hemingway's minimalistic writing style adds to the tension and atmosphere of the story, making it a classic work of literature that continues to be studied and analyzed by critics and readers alike.
Literary Analysis Of Hills Like White Elephants
However, it is my belief that she chose to follow her heart and not get the abortion. To the girl, the child is a white elephant only insofar as its father rejects it; she would like to bear the child. The man, who is given no name, but is called the American, is trying to act indifferent about the situation at hand. Frozen in the space between comic and tragic resolution, the characters remain, Jig and the American, the conversation ended. Many years ago people would give miniature white elephants as gifts. In this story, Hemmingway utilizes symbolism and clues to explain the plot of the story and the conflict the two characters are having.
Hills Like White Elephants Essays and Criticism
The two characters just talk, but they do not take the time to understand and listen to each other. In addition, the setting is narrowly limited both in time and space. The lucid and uncomplicated images he created with his seemingly elementary style were anything but; in fact, the complexity that resides within his characteristically eloquent prose, which demonstrate a purity and precision like no other, are known only to those who can see beyond their faa de. His work Hills Like White Elephants reveals portrayals of conflict and political philosophy through the use of symbolism, imagery, setting, and point of view, which, overall, contributes to make the story so creative and insightful. We love someone, so we do something for them; we value someone 's opinion, so we respect them; we dislike someone, so we avoid them.
A Literary Criticism Of Hills Like White Elephants, Sample of Essays
I like a story that can leave me without words. Many years ago people would give miniature white elephants as gifts. He takes their luggage to the other side of the train to assure that it is loaded on board, and then he return to the table. At first look, Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway appears to be a simplistic argument between a man and a woman. Relationships cause people to act on their emotions which impact how and why they do the things they do. The topic of this short story can be argued that it is about women and men discussing their thoughts and emotions on a future abortion, or just a couple conversing Hills Like White Elephants By Ernest Hemingway Hills Like White Elephants, short story by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1927 in the periodical transition and later that year in the collection Men Without Women. Therefore, if they want to maintain their relationship, they have to love and be responsible for each other.
Feminist Criticism in Hills like White Elephants
The last date is today's date — the date you are citing the material. The author further isolates the couple by sitting them outside of the bar, on the platform by themselves. In addition, the social and political influences of the Hemingway's Personal Life and its Influence on his Short Story, Hills Like White Elephants Hemingway's Personal Life and its Influence on his Short Story "Hills Like White Elephants""Hills like White Elephants" is not the normal story where you have a beginning, middle and end. The citation above will include either 2 or 3 dates. Ultimately, tone, symbolism and the use of context are among the literary devices utilized to confer an understanding of the story to the reader.