Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. 219 lessons. Jig and her lover are clearly on completely different wavelengths. Jig. 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. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. While the man's attitude seems bored and disinterested, both in their surroundings and in Jig's pregnancy, Jigs approach to both their surroundings and her pregnancy seems lively and imaginative. Welcome to " Hills Like White Elephants ." This little story is notorious for packing an outsized punch: it's read in countless classrooms in countless universities and high schools, contained in countless "Best Short Stories Ever"-type anthologies, and prompts countless readers to doubt the following truths universally acknowledged: Its really not anything. The female protagonist of the story. Throughout the story, the girl appears helpless, confused, and indecisive. Ernest Hemingways Hills Like White Elephants, Symbolism in Hills Like White Elephants, Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway, Social Issues in Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway, The Girl (Jig) Character Analysis in Hills Like White Elephants, Hills Like White Elephants Ernest Hemingway, Review on the Short Story Hills Like White Elephants. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/hills-like-white-elephants-analysis-2990497. to start your free trial of SparkNotes Plus. I just know things., All right. I dont want anyone else. Rather, it's a way to build in more meaning through intentional use of detail, imagery, and plot events. Finally, the man asserts that "I don't want anybody but you. This is an example of the Iceberg Method of fiction writing. Are there any metaphors in the story "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway? The importance of the clean, well-lighted place where one can sit is integral to maintaining dignity and formality amidst loneliness, despair and desperation. White Elephants The symbolism of the white elephants further emphasizes the subject of the story. The man and the girl he calls Jig are lovers. This makes sense in the context of the hills that she says look like "white elephants," as well as the title of the story. 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. Why does Hemingway use the title "Hills Like White Elephants" in the short story "Hills Like White Elephants"? $24.99 The girl is trying to be brave and nonchalant but is clearly frightened of committing herself to having the operation. The train station setting raises the stakes a bit further, putting an artificial time limit on the conversation and the story and giving it some urgency. Throughout this dialogue, the girl's crumbling realization that she is not truly loved is a strong undercurrent that creates tension and suppressed fear. She is focused on the surrounding hills, noticing their resemblance to white elephants, while her partner simply sits quietly, waiting for the train to arrive. He's assertive and overbearing in trying to convince the girl to get the abortion. Jig's focus is on the outside world, which is somewhat ironic given that she is carrying her lover's baby, which one would've thought would be her main preoccupation. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber, Next 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. It isn't surprising, then, that there is so much tension between them. Its really not anything. Travelers, including the main characters, must therefore decide where to go and, in this case, whether to go with each other and continue their relationship. Can we, however, assume something about them for example, is "the man" somewhat older and "the girl" perhaps younger, maybe eighteen or nineteen? They have clearly been in a romantic and sexual relationship, which has led to Jig being pregnant. "Hills Like White Elephants" is set in Spain. And there's the other side of her dilemma: she also wants to stay in a happy relationship with the American, but having the child would apparently jeopardize that due to his unwillingness to even consider it an option. At the end of their conversation, she takes control of herself and of the situation: She no longer acts in her former childlike way. Just like we were before. What makes you think so? Thats the only thing that bothers us. First, it breaks the ice on an awkward conversation - it's just a simple observation to have something to say. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. white elephant something of little or no value. The man. Want 100 or more? And I know its perfectly simple., Would you do something for me now? Id do anything for you. Would you please please please please please please please stop talking?. Immediately, a tension between the two mounts until the man says, "Oh, cut it out." on 50-99 accounts. Some interpretations of "Hills Like White Elephants" hold that they are a way for the man to control Jig. Compared to the American, Hemingway's overly masculine character, the girl is less assertive and persuasive. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Want 100 or more? We could get along. Of course it does. She, of course, desires the beauty, loveliness, and fertility of the fields of grain, but she knows that she has to be content with the barren sterility of an imminent abortion and the continued presence of a man who is inadequate. As the presumable couple sits down with their beers, it seems that the story is going to be an account of a pleasant afternoon of vacationing lovers waiting for a train. At the storys conclusion, when he asks her if she feels better, the girls stiff reply reveals her true feelings: I feel fine. This post-WWI time period was a common topic for Hemingway, as were various locations around Spain. Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. You can view our. Ultimately, the American is an insecure and manipulative man who wants to maintain control over the girl by remaining the sole object of her attention and affection. Dont have an account? The train station represents the character 's relationship as a crossroad. SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. Just like we were before.What makes you think so? Thats the only thing that bothers us. Finally the dam is broken in the climactic moment. 'They seem like white elephants . The white elephant image specifically symbolizes a few different things: The valley of the Ebro, where the story is set, is dry on one side and green on the other. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% Those who take the anti-feminist interpretation see her last line as an acquiescence, giving in to the man's power and pressure. Afterward, they will be off on new travels. Also known as the "theory of omission," Hemingway's Iceberg Theory contends that the words on the page should be merely a small part of the whole storythey are the proverbial "tip of the iceberg," and a writer should use as few words as possible in order to indicate the larger, unwritten story that resides below the surface. Previous Particularly rugged or dramatic landscapes like these were favorite features in Hemingway's short stories and novels, and Spain had plenty to offer. Continue to start your free trial. Moreover, the contrast between the white hills and barren valley possibly highlights the dichotomy between life and death, fertility and sterility, and mirrors the choice the girl faces between having the baby or having the abortion. As he wrote in "Death in the Afternoon," "A writer who omits things because he does not know them only makes hollow places in his writing.". It's not difficult to understand, though, with careful reading and an understanding of Hemingway's methods and hints. He also seems to know more about alcohol than she does. 'Hills Like White Elephants' (1927) is one of Ernest Hemingway's best-known and most critically acclaimed short stories. $24.99 You dont have to be afraid. Hills Like White Elephants, Full Glossary for Hemingway's Short Stories. From the man's point of view, the hills don't look like white elephants, and the hills certainly don't have skins. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. (2021, July 31). I feel like I'm a protector, especially when I'm with my kids . The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. The story's central idea is that communication is the key for a long-lasting relationship. 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. The woman serving drinks to the American man and the girl. The girl tells the man that she's "fine." The valley of the Ebro representing a choice between life and barrenness, White elephants representing something you have that you may not want, Alcohol representing both control and freedom. When he says, "If you don't want to you don't have to. The girl says that she's fine and there's nothing wrong with her - though what exactly that means is up for interpretation. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, https://www.enotes.com/topics/hills-like-white-elephants. With or without the abortion, things will never be the same. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. They have been traveling around Europe together for a long time, judging from all the hotel labels on their luggage. Consider the contrast between the hot, dry side of the valley and the more fertile "fields of grain." Free trial is available to new customers only. 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. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? There are no physical descriptions of either person or even of their clothing. No, you wouldnt have. I might have, the man said. Sustana, Catherine. It is not revealed that the topic of conversation is the couples decision to abort the pregnancy, but its not difficult to figure out. 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. | PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. "The Man" in "Hills Like White Elephants" is an American traveling in Spain with his female companion. The title "Hills Like White Elephants" is a symbol within Hemingway's short story that requires analysis to depict its meaning and relevance to the story as well. The author uses a lot of rhetorical devices to convey his message but mostly use imagery and symbolism. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 84,000 What does the name Jig mean in "Hills Like White Elephants" and why does he call her that? SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. Also learn about the Iceberg Theory. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. You may cancel your subscription on your Subscription and Billing page or contact Customer Support at [email protected]. She clearly wants to keep the child - a point made evident through several comments she makes regarding how the couple really could have it all. Free trial is available to new customers only. The early editors returned it because they thought that it was a "sketch" or an "anecdote," not a short story. If you want a unique paper, order it from our professional writers. What is the main conflict in the story "Hills Like White Elephants". Dont have an account? William Faulkner Biography & Books | Who was William Faulkner? It is possible that they are married. 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." 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. Just like [they] were before." 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." In addition, the popularity of this story can be found in the change in readers' expectations. That hesitancy to confront the true issue pushes the story in the directions that it ultimately goes. The way the content is organized, In accordance with Hemingways characteristically sparse style, this main character is identified only as the man and occasionally the American without any identifying descriptors or background information. Members will be prompted to log in or create an account to redeem their group membership. Continue to start your free trial. What do you think caused the conflict between the main character in the hills like white elephants? The man says she doesn't have to do the procedure if she doesn't want to; he is willing to "go through with it if it means anything to you.". At the end of Hills Like White Elephants, the man comes back from checking on the train and having a drink. Though they are clearly loversJig is carrying the man's unborn childthere doesn't appear to be much in the way of real intimacy between them. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. The way they conduct themselves around each other is awkward, to say the least. The big point of contention between them is simply that he wants her to have an abortion and she wants to keep the baby. The strained tones and the pretensions to an idyllic existence that once existed create an ominous tone. The free trial period is the first 7 days of your subscription. 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