Hills Like White Elephants
“Hills Like White Elephants”, a story written by Ernest Hemmingway is mostly made up of a dialogue between the two main characters, the American man and a girl, who are waiting for a train to continue their journey. The topic of conversation is never directly mentioned so as to allow a certain degree of tension to be built. In addition, Hemmingway leaves the ending open providing the reader with an opportunity to reach his/her own conclusion and so to even deeply engage in analysis of the story. However, through the man’s reassurances and subtle coercion and through the girl’s unwillingness to give in to his perspective, the author discloses that discussion is about the possibility to terminate the unexpected pregnancy. Whereas, the girl is having doubts about the abortion and already feels the natural bond between the mother and the unborn child, the American sees the baby as an obstacle in their lives. This fundamental conflict in interest is demonstrated mainly through the story’s setting and symbols. The conversation takes place in a bar at a railroad station, which is located in the Valley of Ebro. By choosing a railway station, a junction between two destinations, the author indicates that either directi
The girl is avoiding to openly state how much she would like to have this child and settle down. However, this becomes very clear in the passage where she looks to the side with fields of grain and says “And we could have all this” (680). She makes an attempt to convince him that they can make it work if they do not go through abortion. In this key passage it became very clear to her how big her desire is to give birth to that child. “The shadow of a cloud moved across the field of grain and she saw the river through the trees” (680). The language in this sentence could be said to symbolize the light and beauty of life she came to realize and that she has made up her mind not to have the abortion despite of everything. Moreover, in this passage she pictures a settled life with a baby. It seems these thoughts bring her hope and something to look forward to. That “ the shadow of the cloud moved” (680) indicates that the girl is seeing the reality and realising that she is ready for a change and that she no longer wants life to be the way before she got pregnant. In conclusion, although the focus is on the abortion, this is not the only issue the author is trying to discuss. Rather, it sends a message that lack of communication together with avoiding to openly discuss problems, will most certainly lead to the break up of any relationship. Further, providing support, trust and willingness to compromise, not the practice of manipulation and pressure on a partner, is the foundation to build a healthy and strong relationship. After this passage a significant change takes place in the character’s role. The girl, who used to follow along with whatever the American wanted seems to have had enough playing the dumb girl and letting herself be manipulated by a man who is not willing to offer her a real comfort and support. Being uncomfortable with his decision and determination to get rid of the child,
Some topics in this essay:
Valley Ebro,
Ernest Hemmingway,
please please,
please please please,
White Elephants”,
,
american girl,
life baby bring,
unborn child,
avoiding openly,
lines rails,
mind abortion,
trying discuss,
baby bring,
life baby,
shadow cloud,
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Approximate Word count = 1305
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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