Hills Like White Elaphants

400 Words2 Pages
Kagen Lewis 10.20.2011 Task 1 paper 1 Thesis: Jig has the power in her relationship with the American, so she is a sympathetic character. First, jig has the power in her relationship because she brings up the topics for the conversations that they have. Early in the story when they’re drinking, Jig says the hills “look like white elephants,” as a way of introducing her pregnancy (2). After they get their drinks, Jig also asks if they can “try” the drink on the beaded curtain (2). When Jig notices that the hills “look like white elephants,” she mentions it to the American, therefore starting the conversation with him. Also, Jig notices that the beaded curtain has something written on it, and brings up a conversation about what it said. By bringing up the topics of conversation, Jig is showing that she is assertive and aggressive. It’s also obvious that Jig has the power in the relationship because she doesn’t give in to the pressure from the American to believe that the abortion is simple. Later in the story, the American attempts to give Jig reason to not be afraid by saying, “I’ve known lots of people that have done it” (4). Jig says sarcastically, “So have I,” and afterwards “they were all so happy” (4). By using the sarcastic remark about the American’s comment, she shows that she’s not giving into his pressure. By not giving into the American’s pressure, she displays confidence in her choice, and self determination. Finally, Jigs power in the relationship is clear because she persuades the American to do what she wants to do. Close to the end of the story, Jig begins to make comments on how she wants to have the abortion if it will make him happy again. The American becomes submissive when he says, “I’d do anything for you” (6). This in turn leads to the American “taking the bags to the other side of the station,” which resembles the choice to go

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