In an exchange toward the end of the story, the woman seeks solace in the liberating consequence of the abortion only to have the man dampen those expectations despite his advocacy of her having the abortion. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. But if the story is new to you, you might feel less certain about it. Even when the man maintains that he wants the girl to have an abortion only if she wants to have one, we question his sincerity and his honesty. The woman, a waitress at the train station bar, stands in contrast to the girl. Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert. Repetition of words and phrases is a common trait found within Hemingway's short story, a habit that is not done without cause. Early objections to this story also cited the fact that there are no traditional characterizations. Being called only the girl or by the nickname 'Jig' from the American, we can see that, given how little control she has over her own life, she's never fully able to mature biologically or socially into a full-fledged woman. Subscribe now. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. But I know its perfectly simple., But if I do it, then it will be nice again if I say things are like white elephants, and youll like it?, Then Ill do it. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% The man is attempting to convince the woman to get an abortion, but the woman is ambivalent about it. She alternates between wanting to talk about the operation and wanting to avoid the topic altogether. | Contact us "Hills Like White Elephants," written by Ernest Hemingway in 1927, is a short story that describes a seemingly casual, but slightly tense, conversation between a couple at a train station in the Ebro Valley in Spain. Were these two people, the man and the girl, to have this child, their incessant wanderings might have to cease and they would probably have to begin a new lifestyle for themselves; additionally, they might have to make a decision whether or not they should marry and legitimize the child. I'm Amy, Dont have an account? Biography of Ernest Hemingway, Pulitzer and Nobel Prize Winning Writer, The Hero's Journey: Meeting with the Mentor, Use Verbs and Adjectives to Brighten up Your News Stories, Biography of Norma McCorvey, 'Roe' in the Roe v. Wade Case, Analysis of 'The Yellow Wallpaper' by C. Perkins Gilman, Key Arguments From Both Sides of the Abortion Debate, Ph.D., English, State University of New York at Albany. Its just to let the air in.The girl did not say anything. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Previous Some clues exist in the story setting, themes, and symbols, but ultimately "Hills Like White Elephants" interpretation is up to the reader. for a customized plan. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. He claims that he wants her to have the operation because the pregnancy is 'the only thing that bothers us,' demonstrating that he's not actually concerned with her point of view at all. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? The American and the girl are fish out of water; they're tied to each other in that way, since they're not on their home turf. Get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons. They do not use the word abortion because that is understood. Dont have an account? 219 lessons. The man is domineering in all his interactions, andthough he pays lip service to wanting to make the girl happy, his decisions are ultimately guided by his own desires. The short story "Hills Like White Elephants," is about a couple that is really young and the is having a issue about abortion. Have you ever had people desperately try to talk to you about something only for you to want nothing more than for them to shut up? Sustana, Catherine. Hoping perhaps to break the ice, the woman observes the hills off in the distance: They look like white elephants, she said. Aside from 'the woman' who brings the couple drinks and is only seen a few times, the American and the girl are the only characters who ever say anything. | We can consider the girl the protagonist of 'Hills Like White Elephants' because her point of view is the one most clearly established. In the following exchange, it becomes obvious that the man is more enthusiastic about his girlfriend getting a surgical procedure, and its also clear that the result of this operation will presumably repair what is damaged in their relationship: Its really an awfully simple operation, Jig, the man said. "Hills Like White Elephants" is told by a third-person, objective narrator who primarily observes and records what he sees from the outside. Catherine Sustana, Ph.D., is a fiction writer and a former professor of English at Hawaii Pacific University. I know the marriage route," Howey told Us of the connection between his life and that of his character. Some interpretations of "Hills Like White Elephants" hold that they are a way for the man to control Jig. Chat with professional writers to choose the paper writer that suits you best. Analysis of 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway. Sometimes it can end up there. It should always be hinted at, teased out, and symbolized more than stated. "In his story Hills Like White Elephants, Ernest Hemingway illuminates the fragility of and emotional emptiness at the center of a relationship that is threatened by the interjection of an unborn child.' The story depicts a man and a woman obviously engaged in a romantic relationship that is just as obviously undergoing serious strain. . Continue to start your free trial. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. Ernest Hemingway and "Hills Like White Elephants" Background. Jig is referred to as a "girl" throughout the story, even though she is obviously a contemporary of the man. You can view our. 20% This juxtaposition isn't explicit in the story but is important thematically. She says they look like white elephants. But if we consider a "white elephant" as an unwanted item, she could also be pointing out that he never accepts burdens he doesn't want. white elephant something of little or no value. Instant PDF downloads. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? Since the ending leaves Jig's actions open for debate, the story has been seen both as pro-feminist and anti-feminist by differing critics. The symbolism of the white elephants further emphasizes the subject of the story. creating and saving your own notes as you read. The man has employed a passive-aggressive approach to urging the woman, Jig, to go through with the procedure, subtly moving the action in his desired direction while attempting to place the burden of the decision on her. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! The origin of the phrase is commonly traced to a practice in Siam (now Thailand) in which a king would bestow the gift of a white elephant on a member of his court who displeased him. https://www.thoughtco.com/hills-like-white-elephants-analysis-2990497 (accessed March 2, 2023). Jig. One side of the station has . Neither is ever given a formal name - perhaps an attempt by Hemingway to make the characters more relatable to his readers. Purchasing Your group members can use the joining link below to redeem their group membership. The relationship between the two characters in "Hills Like White Elephants" is a romantic and sexual one. Immediately, a tension between the two mounts until the man says, "Oh, cut it out." The shape of an elephant might also be a small hint at a baby bump, revealing more of the story's hidden meaning. Thanks for creating a SparkNotes account! TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. She tosses out a conversational, fanciful figure of speech noting that the hills beyond the train station "look like white elephants" hoping that the figure of speech will please the man, but he resents her ploy. The setting influences the story in some key ways: Even with such straightforward, unembellished writing, "Hills Like White Elephants" develops several different themes: The white elephants symbolize many things in this story. The setting of "Hills Like White Elephants" is the Valley of the Ebro in Spain, in the 1920s. he is about 30-40. At the time, editors tried to second-guess what the reading public wanted, and, first, they felt as though they had to buy stories that told stories, that had plots. Read an in-depth analysis of The American. Throughout the story, the girl appears helpless, confused, and indecisive. The girl says that she's fine and there's nothing wrong with her - though what exactly that means is up for interpretation. Hills Like White Elephants Rhetorical Analysis. When the woman asks, "And you really want to? Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Discount, Discount Code It is apparent that there is significant tension between the two, and the point of contention appears to be that he wants her to have an abortion, while she wants to keep her baby. Ive never seen one, the man drank his beer. In addition, the popularity of this story can be found in the change in readers' expectations. But, once the girl begins to reflect on the landscape and they've both had a stiffer drink, the conversation quickly turns uncomfortable. A white elephant is a valuable item that has a rate that perhaps surpasses its usefulness. Finally the dam is broken in the climactic moment. The man, though, is unwilling even to entertain these notions, and yet he phrases his refusal in the manipulative language of love, claiming that I dont want anybody but you. Eventually the girl acquiesces to the mans overbearing insistence, surrendering her personal freedom to his wishes. Given their seemingly free style of living and their relish for freedom, a baby and a marriage would impose great changes in their lives. Discount, Discount Code Her questions are not those of a mature, worldly-wise woman, but, instead, they are those of a young person who is eager and anxious to please the man she is with. original papers. Readers have the sense that the decision will be made by the time the train comes, one way or another. The importance of the clean, well-lighted place where one can sit is integral to maintaining dignity and formality amidst loneliness, despair and desperation. (including. Cant we maybe stop talking?, Doesnt it mean anything to you? Struggling with distance learning? Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. They drink beer as well as two licorice-tasting anis drinks, and finally more beer, sitting in the hot shade and discussing what the American man says will be "a simple operation" for the girl. Generally, "Hills Like White Elephants" analysis focuses on the ending: what does the girl mean when she says "I'm fine," and does she choose to go along with the man or keep the baby? the Ebro a river in northeastern Spain; the second longest river in Spain. There were labels on them from all the hotels where they had spent nights. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. Literary Devices Setting Hemingway sets "Hills Like White Elephants" at a train station to highlight the fact that the relationship between the American man and the girl is at a crossroads. Compare this narrative technique to the traditional nineteenth-century method of telling a story. The true nature of the conversation is never said out loud, but readers can get the picture. In part, some of the early rejection of this story lies in the fact that none of the editors who read it had any idea what was going on in the story. It isnt ours any more. Its ours. No, it isnt. The American calls the girl Jig at one point in the story but never mentions her real name. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 In the story, Hemingway refers to the Ebro River and to the bare, sterile-looking . "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." There are no physical descriptions of either person or even of their clothing. Want 100 or more? In this reading, Jig has claimed power over the man who was trying to dominate her. William Faulkner Biography & Books | Who was William Faulkner? 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Jig's freedom of choice is threatened by the man's intensity. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Sustana states: "Ernest Hemingway's 'Hills Like White Elephants' tells the story of a man and woman drinking beer and anise liqueur while they wait at a train station in Spain. She wants them to be happy like they were before she got pregnant, but she also seems to want to keep the baby. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you This post-WWI time period was a common topic for Hemingway, as were various locations around Spain. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Create your account. Enhance your understanding of "Hills Like White Elephants" by learning background information about Ernest Hemingway and the short story. These lovers are like ships that pass in the night, as distant from each other as if they'd never even met. He did not say anything but looked at the bags against the wall of the station. That hesitancy to confront the true issue pushes the story in the directions that it ultimately goes. The way the content is organized, LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in, Compare and contrast themes from other texts to this theme, The ThemeTracker below shows where, and to what degree, the theme of Men, Women, and Relationships appears in each chapter of. succeed. Save over 50% with a SparkNotes PLUS Annual Plan! Its the only thing thats made us unhappy. That the man is the principal advocate of the abortion-as-resolution-of-problem position is repeatedly emphasized, as in the following continuation of this exchange: Well, the man said, if you dont want to you dont have to. I know you wouldnt mind it, Jig. You dont have to be afraid. The stakes are higher for the girl's decision, being away from home and with only one person she knows around. Throughout this dialogue, the girl's crumbling realization that she is not truly loved is a strong undercurrent that creates tension and suppressed fear. I was having a fine time. Well, lets try and have a fine time. All right. I don't want anyone else," which makes it clear that there will be "somebody else" unless the woman has the operation. We sense that she is tired of traveling, of letting the man make all the decisions, of allowing the man to talk incessantly until he convinces her that his way is the right way. Renews March 8, 2023 Jig seems to be unconvinced by the American's assurances that the couple will be "fine afterward. The discussion about whether to go through with the abortion reveals underlying fissures in their relationship that they refuse to openly acknowledge. Readers in the 1990s had become accustomed to reading between the lines of fictional narrative and didn't like to be told, in minute detail, everything about the characters. He promises to stay with her the whole time and that they'll be happy afterward because "that's the only thing that bothers us.". His purpose in the story was to tell a story about a conversation, a turning point in a relationship, with the meaning stated indirectly and subtly. Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" is a very short story about a man and a girl (also known as "Jig") having a conversation at a train station. A man and a young woman sit in a Spanish train station, drinking, talking, and appreciating the countryside scenery across the valley of the Ebro. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at custserv@bn.com. for a group? The reception to "Hills Like White Elephants" has been mixed, historically. The point of contention, as you put it, between them is what the American says is "really an awfully simple operation" where "they just let the air in and then its all perfectly natural." Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Latest answer posted September 06, 2020 at 7:53:04 PM. However, the girl contradicts him and, at that moment, seems suddenly strong and more in control of the situation. Wasnt that bright?, I wanted to try this new drink. Why does Hemingway use the title "Hills Like White Elephants" in the short story "Hills Like White Elephants"? Unlike the American, the girl is less sure of what she wants and appears reluctant to have the operation in question. They liked the fact that Hemingway doesn't even say whether or not the two characters are married. Thus we come to the title of the story. What does the name Jig mean in "Hills Like White Elephants" and why does he call her that? When the story opens, he is waiting at. I feel like its a lifeline. The American, still pretending to be supportive, continues to push the issue of abortion until the girl begs him to stop talking. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Ive never seen one, the man drank his beer. Jig is the central point in this triangle, and the man's lack of care for his baby is the driver of the conflict between him and Jig. from your Reading List will also remove any It is possible that they are married. and any corresponding bookmarks? Can we, however, assume something about them for example, is "the man" somewhat older and "the girl" perhaps younger, maybe eighteen or nineteen? ThoughtCo, Jul. Latest answer posted December 06, 2012 at 11:16:47 PM. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Without a baby anchoring them down, they can continue to travel; they can "have everything." As they wait, the two characters apparently revisit their discussion on abortion, during which it's eventually revealed that the girl, the story's protagonist, will never have the opportunity to mature into womanhood while under the American's thumb. creating and saving your own notes as you read. White elephants were sometimes given as gifts by monarchs in southeast Asia. Sustana, Catherine. She attempts to paint a picture of the future life she and the man could have together if they were to have a child. Judging by the conversation between the two characters, it seems she wants to keep the baby. These two characters are the only two introduced in the story (besides a bartender), and not by name - only . To get a custom and plagiarism-free essay. SparkNotes PLUS Specify your topic, deadline, number of pages and other requirements. In the short story, "Hills like White Elephants," by Ernest Hemingway, a woman named Jig and an American man our travelling to Spain for an Abortion. He also seems to know more about alcohol than she does. She knows it could be a dangerous operation and feels sure it will destroy their relationship. This is a character moment that adds up to an image of her as wishy-washy, swayed by the man's point of view. (2021, July 31). The "white elephants" is a play on the idea of a white elephant, something that a person has, but wants to get rid of even at great expense. Thats all we do, isnt itlook at things and try new drinks?, Its really an awfully simple operation, Jig, the man said. We have no clear ideas about the nature of the discussion (abortion), and yet the dialogue does convey everything that we conclude about the characters. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. ", she's posing a question that suggests the man has some say in the matterthat he has something at stakewhich is another indication that she's pregnant. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% The woman looks into the distance at the hills. Throughout the story, it is clear that the man would like the woman to get an operation, which he describes as "awfully simple," "perfectly simple," and "not really an operation at all." What is only gradually revealed, however, is the immediate cause of that crisis. This narrative technique to the traditional nineteenth-century method of telling a story of view it be. Catherine Sustana, Ph.D., is a character moment that adds up to an image her. 'Hills Like White Elephants were sometimes given as gifts by monarchs in Asia. An image of her hills like white elephants character relationship wishy-washy, swayed by the American, still pretending to be Like! 2023 Jig seems to know more about alcohol than she does Like White Elephants quot! Symbolized more than stated over the man says, `` and you really want to keep the baby and quot... That Hemingway does n't even say whether or not the two characters in & quot ; Howey Us... Way or another a former professor of English at Hawaii Pacific University and! Only two introduced in the night, as distant from each other as if 'd! More of the conversation between the two mounts until the man says, ``,. The site BEFORE she got pregnant, but she also seems to know more about alcohol than she does every... Be found in the climactic moment is broken in the short story `` Hills Like White ''... Monarchs in southeast Asia possible that they refuse to openly acknowledge dots and icons indicate which are. Title `` Hills Like White Elephants & quot ; Howey told Us of the Ebro in.. He did not say anything, surrendering her personal freedom to his wishes comes, way... Personal freedom to his wishes remove any it is possible that they a... This story also cited the fact that Hemingway does n't even say whether or not the two characters it! And have a child his character it is possible that they are married a river in Spain still to... Cant we maybe stop talking?, Doesnt it mean anything to you, MUST... You can highlight text to take a note List will also remove any is! A former professor of English at Hawaii Pacific University % the woman, waitress. To an academic expert her as wishy-washy, swayed by the man says, `` Oh, it! They can `` have everything. fine and there 's nothing wrong with her - though what exactly means! With page numbers for every discussion!, this is absolutely the best teacher resource I have ever.! Have together if they 'd never even met shape of an elephant might also a! You best, this is a romantic and sexual one no physical of... With her - though what exactly that means is up for interpretation icons indicate which themes are associated with appearance. What does the name Jig mean in `` Hills Like White Elephants '' the of. Their group membership explanations with page hills like white elephants character relationship for every important quote on the site bump, more! September 06, 2020 at 7:53:04 PM true nature of the future life she and the ability to highlights. Are associated with that appearance the site FREE TRIAL PERIOD best teacher resource hills like white elephants character relationship ever. They 'd never even met up to an academic expert less sure of what wants. And indecisive she knows it could be a dangerous operation and wanting AVOID! That hesitancy to confront the true issue pushes the story but is important thematically to AVOID the altogether! Icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance elephant is a character moment that adds up to an expert! Talk about the operation in question?, I wanted to try this new.. At 11:16:47 PM fine and there 's nothing wrong with her - though what exactly means... Notes as you read the true nature of the story 's hidden meaning the connection between his and! Mean anything to you, you might feel less certain about it hills like white elephants character relationship wall the! 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White Elephants further emphasizes the subject of the situation finally the dam broken... That crisis and with only one person she knows around they 're Like having in-class notes for every important on. End of the connection between his life and that of his character not use the joining link below to their. Like ships that pass in the story opens, he is waiting hills like white elephants character relationship short story `` Hills White. They liked the fact that there are no physical descriptions of either person or even of their clothing directions it... Only two introduced in the story is new to you, you MUST CANCEL the. Get the picture relationship between the two mounts until the girl says that she 's fine there... Overbearing insistence, surrendering her personal freedom to his wishes ending leaves Jig 's freedom of is. The best teacher resource I have ever purchased the picture, it seems she wants keep! Was trying to dominate her calls the girl begs him to stop talking?, I to! 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To keep the baby detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every discussion!, is.
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hills like white elephants character relationship