Hills Like White Elephants

986 Words4 Pages
Ernest Hemingway, Hills like white elephants The man and the woman in the Ernest Hemingway’s short story “Hills like white elephants” are referred to as the American and the girl (later called “Jig” by the man). In the course of the story it becomes evident that they are a couple and they are traveling. The story takes place at a train station to highlight the fact that the relationship between the American and the girl is at a crossroads. Located in the middle of an isolated valley the station is only a stopping point between Barcelona and Madrid hence, the couple have to decide where to go and whether to go together or alone. Throughout the story the man is the one who dominates. It is he who orders the drinks because Jig does not know Spanish. He also seems to make all the decisions the couple have to face. Hemingway portrays him as a truly masculine character. Even when vexed or confused he pretends to be indifferent and in control. He is oversimplifying the operation he suggests her to undergo. The man wants to lead a pleasurable life that they had before. Although he never specifies what kind of operation he has in mind, the underlying message in the story suggests that the girl is pregnant and hesitates whether to undergo abortion or not. He thinks of himself as a more reasonable one, claims not to force her to take this step but at the same time implies what he thinks is the right decision. In his actions he fails to provide necessary understanding the girl needs in her distress. On the contrary, Jig gives an impression of being indecisive and weak. She goes through a difficult time and needs comfort which she does not receive. She is unsure of what she wants and unable to make a decision. She compares the hills she looks at to white elephants and then says she does no longer think they resemble them, then she wants to
Open Document