Hills Like White Elephants Analysis

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The White Elephant Seven-Eighths Under Water In “Hills like White Elephants” Ernest Hemingway creates a story through dialogue of a couple waiting for a train in Spain. An American man and a woman share drinks outside as the woman notes that the nearby hills remind her of white elephants, sparking an argument. The tense conversation continues as the man mentions a “simple operation” that can be assumed to be an abortion (553). The man urges Jig to have the operation but only if she wishes to. They tensely discuss the future and possibilities of the operation over more drinks before Jig begs the American to stop talking. Ultimately Jig favors having the child as opposed to passively continuing her traveling lifestyle. Due to her seemingly passive natureJig considers having an abortion, but desires the change of lifestyle that comes with a child and family. She tells the man, "Then I'll do it. Because I don't care about me" (554). It may seem like she has consented to the operation, but is clearly communicating her unhappiness. It would only be possible if she stopped caring about herself in the same way that the man would feel if he had to settle down and get married. Hemingway characterizes Jig not as passive, but sympathetic as she considers the impact that the operation would have on her relationship with the man, the life of the child, and also their financial means claiming, “We could get along” (555). The man only downplays the abortion and conveys his desire to continue his traveling lifestyle. Jig wishes to end the conversation and begs "Would you please please please please please please please stop talking?" (555). This shows how much she dislikes the man's unwelcoming thoughts towards the child. Jig is not in favor of an abortion and she shows this through her sarcastic reactions. She responds to the man, “Everything tastes of licorice. Especially all

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