Term Paper on "Literary Aspects Tone and Setting of the Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway"

Term Paper 4 pages (1290 words) Sources: 0

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Hemingway

A profound sense of melancholy envelops the couple at the center of Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants." The story takes place in one scene only, describing a difficult conversation between a couple referred to simply as the "man," and the "girl." Most of the dialogue invokes subtext, as neither character uses direct language except when referring to their drinks. The symbol-laden setting of the story complements the figurative dialogue. The couple is waiting for a train, at a crossroads in their individual lives. The title of the short story encapsulates the metaphoric discourse that unfolds. Hemingway's title can be interpreted in a myriad of ways, none of which are literal. Ironically, however, the couple does discuss white elephants in a literal way when the man says, "I've never seen one." Through symbolism and subtext, Ernest Hemingway creates a tense, moody atmosphere in which the reader can explore issues related to relationships, self-esteem, gender relations, and personal identity.

That "Hills Like White Elephants" is about an abortion is all but clear even though no one mentions even so much as a pregnancy. After making small talk related to the titular hills and to their drinks, the man suddenly blurts out, "It's really an awfully simple operation, Jig,' the man said. 'It's not really an operation at all." References to letting the "air in" also indicate that the procedure in question in an abortion. Moreover, the girl says, "once they take it away, you never get it back." Yet even before he mentions the operation, the reader senses great tension between the two. Their tempers are testy, as when the girl states, "That's all we do, isn't it - look at things and try new drinks?" They bicker like children: "Oh, cut it out," the man says. Jig replies, "You started it."

Neither the man nor the "girl" has a solid identity in the story. He is referred to simply as an "American." No reference to his physical appearance is offered, nor to his age. The fact that Jig is called a "girl" is significant but so is her actually being given a name. It is as if Hemingway wants her to be empowered and liberated from her insensitive boyfriend. The author is rooting for her, but her feelings prove too tumultuous for her to think clearly. Instead, she drowns her sorrows in escapism. Both Jig and her man seem to have been traveling for a long time, without a strong sense of direction or place in the world. Gazing at the hills "like white elephants" represents the girl's thoughtfulness. She, unlike the man, has hopes and dreams. Looking towards the horizon at the hills symbolizes looking towards and planning for the future.

The "white elephant" on the table is whether or not raising a family can be part of that future together. Jig is open to the possibility of carrying the child to term, which is why the man tries to convince her that the procedure is "simple." The man repeats the word "simple" over and over, oblivious to the fact that an abortion might be simple for him but not for her. Jig responds with sarcasm and she turns her anger inward. When the man states, "I've known lots of people that have done it," the girl responds, "So have I...afterwards they were all so happy." Her sarcasm might be misconstrued if the man did not immediately state, "Well...if you don't want to you don't have to." Just as the man emphasizes the word "simple," he also repeatedly claims, "I don't want you to do anything that you don't want to do -- " His words ring false once again, and the girl interrupts: "Nor that isn't good for me...I know. Could we have another beer?" The tone of her voice oozes sarcasm; Hemingway makes sure to insert a dash to indicate that the… READ MORE

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