Ernest Hemingway's Hills Like White Elephants Essay

Ernest Hemingway’s, “Hills Like White Elephants”, was first published in August of 1927 but it was not until briefly after the lone publication of this esoteric short story that it received the notability it deserved; accompanied by many other encapsulating short stories, “Hills Like White Elephants” in addition to the thirteen other short stories published by Hemingway in October of 1927 made up his second collection of short stories, “Men Without Women”. Nevertheless, William Shakespeare’s, “Hamlet”, was the longest play ever written by the Englishman estimated to be written sometime within the late 16th and early 17th century; “Hamlet” is revered not only as one of Shakespeare’s greatest literary work but also as one of the most

As the conversation escalates, Jig herself hides her true thoughts and instead, says the opposite: “Then I’ll do it. Because I don’t care about me.” (477). It may seems like she agrees to do the operation; but in fact, she is trying to ascertain the American man’s love for her. These implications and hints in the conversation keep them away from understanding each other and contributed to the failure of their relationship. Summing up, relationships in both stories show that communication problems are what tear them apart. Importantly, it is selfishness in the characters that initiate these problems; as they mostly speak from their view and for themselves, which then avert them from understanding their partner, and finally, a broken relationship is inevitable.

Tension appears although this conversation suggests that they have been fighting prior to their arrival at the train station. Jig implies that she believes the American is stuck in his own perception and is unable to see beyond it . Since Jig is still dependent on her mate at this point when making choices, if only about drinks, she remains calm and changes the subject.

The American and Jig had no plans of settling down which indicates they were both not planning a future. “He did not say anything but looked at the bags against the wall of the station…were labels from all the hotels where they had spent nights” meaning that the baggage they have

In 1927, Ernest Hemingway penned a short story titled, “Hills Like White Elephants.” The story takes place at a train station in Spain and depicts a troublesome dilemma for the two main characters. The story begins with the characters casually discussing what kind of beer to partake in; the tone quickly shifts when the man mentions a surgery to his female friend, Jig. The reader is left to infer that the two characters are discussing an abortion. Ernest Hemingway uses symbolism throughout the story so the reader can delve into a deeper meaning without the ensnarement of excessive emotion. Throughout the story, Hemingway uses several examples of symbolism to depict Jigs inner struggle with the decision she is faced to make.

Jig was concerned that the relationship she had the American would end if she did not go through with the abortion. She knew that he had not been happy since

Moreover, the story contains the word "two” throughout it, which reinforces that Jig and her boyfriend only are not ready to be a three unit family, that they are happy right now with two people. They had "two glasses of beer and two felt pads," the train only "stopped at this junction for two minutes" (614), and they only had "two heavy bags" (617). They are not ready for a child and that is why there is an emphasis on the word two. Ironically, the word “two” could also mean that Jig feels that she is ready to have the baby. She could be seeing herself and the baby as two and thus she is thinking of keeping the baby.

Throughout the story, the two main characters constantly dance around each other and what they have to say. The American refuses to finish the conversation before Jig say’s she will get the abortion. His entire ploy is to guilt

An individual’s first impression of something is often limited by that individual's prior understanding or view. After being exposed to another perspective that first impression often evolves, like looking through a lens. This phenomenon can be observed in literature. Ernest Hemingway's “Hills Like White Elephants” tells of a man and a woman waiting at a Spanish railway station. While having drinks, they discuss the option of her having an abortion. Brooks' "The Mother" discusses the mental effects of abortion and how a woman may feel after having one. At first glance, Hemingway’s story simply shows that abortions can hurt and put strain on relationships, but by understanding the pain that a woman goes through in

“For Sale; baby shoes never worn” Hemingway replied to his friend’s wager, that he could not write a story in six words or less. After hearing his reply his friends realized they lost and paid him. His friends, which included the famous author, Arthur C. Clarke, believed this flash fiction account to be his greatest work. This story on Hemingway perfectly shows how he used his minimalist dialogue approach to create powerful short stories, just like his story, “Hills Like White Elephants”. Hemingway in his short story, “Hill Like White Elephants” uses clever dialogue to present to us a couple, dealing with the psychological issues involving abortion.

For instance, Jig's observation of "That's all we do, isn't it—look at things and try new drinks?" (276) indicates the superficial nature of their relationship. Moreover, the placement of the station between the two rail lines symbolically "suggest[s] the two directions in which the couple may go—toward Madrid and the abortion or away from Madrid toward a settled, family life" (Johnston). Lastly, a beaded bamboo curtain hangs in the train station doorway. As the American argues in favor of the abortion, Jig "look[s] at the bead curtain, put[s] her hand out and [takes] hold of two of the strings of beads" (277).

The station is placed “between two lines of rails”  purposely to show her position at the station that places her in-between both hills- forcing her to choose a side. The train station is a focal point between the present and the future time that they have to make their decision before getting on the train. Usually when found in stories, places such as train stations, bus stations, and airports give stories a sense of transition or being in-between experiences. Since the express wasn’t coming for another 40 minutes, the topic of the abortion is brought up. It’s as if the time that they are waiting for the express from Barcelona is the amount of time that the couple has to make their decision. The couple sits at a table in the shade, outside the building while they wait for the express from Barcelona. A bamboo-beaded curtain hangs in the doorway of the bar. Bamboo is hollow, so when you look at it from a certain angle, it is a ring.  This represents the womb as empty if they decide to go through with the abortion.  If there is a string that runs through the bamboo, it makes it seem like the space is filled, much like a pregnant belly would be. On the American and the girl’s luggage, there were “labels on them from all the hotels where they had spent nights”. The luggage can be seen as an outline of their journey that has brought them to

Jig wants to have her baby, and feel the stability of having a happy family. On the other hand, the American pressures Jig into having an “operation” done. He tells Jig, “That’s the only thing that bothers us. It’s the only thing that’s made us unhappy.”(790) Jig believes that if she goes through the operation they will continue living a wildlife that they do.

She may go out and see a young couple with their children and think how different life would be. The reader can imagine the frustration Jig must feel about the American. Although it is not known, some speculate that when he states “just to let the air in” he is referring to the old fashioned way of performing an abortion by inserting air into the uterus (portlandwt.com). It is noticed that Jig is trying to convince herself it is the best choice as she discusses how so many others have gotten it done, and how this may save her relationship with the American. The situation is resulting in an unhealthy relationship on top of the terrible communication skills already present.

During the argument between the American and Jig, she had told the American “would you please please please please please please please stop talking” which indicates that Jig is childish woman or girl which she commonly called. Which one can infer that she is a young woman who still has some years to have fun before committing to become a full time parent. Maybe a young woman who made a mistake and got herself pregnant before she was ready. After the argument, the man is seen walking off with the suitcase and carried it to the station, another example of the literary device, suspense. The brief moment readers are left wondering is the American going to stay or is leaving.