ThoughtCo. They have been traveling around Europe together for a long time, judging from all the hotel labels on their luggage. This exchange at the beginning of the story reveals a relationship that is going through a crisis. Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" is a very short story about a man and a girl (also known as "Jig") having a conversation at a train station. SparkNotes PLUS By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. She wants them to be happy like they were before she got pregnant, but she also seems to want to keep the baby. 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. LitCharts Teacher Editions. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. 'Hills Like White Elephants' (1927) is one of Ernest Hemingway's best-known and most critically acclaimed short stories. In "Hills Like White Elephants," what is the tone of communication between the two main characters? The tension between the two is almost as sizzling as the heat of the Spanish sun. Hills Like White Elephants is a conversation between an American man and a girl waiting for a train in Spain. What is the end of "Hills Like White Elephants"? A man and a young woman sit in a Spanish train station, drinking, talking, and appreciating the countryside scenery across the valley of the Ebro. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. It seems, then, that Jig is thinking of how this baby could be seen as a blessing, that the couple "could have everything," but the American man sees it as a curse to be gotten rid of. The "White Elephants" across the valley are one of the first images in the story, and they break the ice of the conversation between the man and the girl. The girl is hurt by the man's fraudulent, patronizing empathy, and she is also deeply apprehensive about the operation that she will undergo in Madrid. This is an example of the Iceberg Method of fiction writing. However, he clearly is insisting that she do so. | SparkNotes PLUS The procedure is never named, but from context clues it becomes clear that the man is trying to convince the girl to have an abortion. The two characters talk around and around the issue, repeating themselves and redeveloping their points, until finally the girl tells the man to stop. Removing #book# Instant PDF downloads. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! Want 100 or more? She attempts to paint a picture of the future life she and the man could have together if they were to have a child. (one code per order). Why is Jig given a name but not the American in "Hills Like White Elephants"? Continue to start your free trial. The Girl. The female protagonist of the story. ThoughtCo, Jul. Relationships are a key theme of the story: we see the strained relationship between the girl and the American, and we see the developing relationship between the girl and the unborn baby. This is not a healthy relationship irrespective of the issue of the womans pregnancy, and a thesis statement on Hemingways story should advance that proposition., Relationship in Hills Like White Elephants. Dont have an account? The man is attempting to convince the woman to get an abortion, but the woman is ambivalent about it. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. At the heart of Hills Like White Elephants is Hemingways examination of the man and girls deeply flawed relationship, a relationship that champions freedom at the cost of honesty, respect, and commitment. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! In addition, the popularity of this story can be found in the change in readers' expectations. Only by sheer accident, it seems, is the girl nicknamed "Jig.". She marks when the train will be coming and sets off the final conversation between the other two characters. They argue back and forth a bit more, and the girl asks the man to stop talking. Free trial is available to new customers only. Also learn about the Iceberg Theory. The way they conduct themselves around each other is awkward, to say the least. He is confident, persuasive, impatient, and frustrated with Jig's reluctance to have an abortion. Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. Purchasing The Girl, called Jig at one point by the man, is the central character of "Hills Like White Elephants"' story. The American never reveals his name, nor does the girl ever directly address him by name. One that could end their relationship forever. Thus readers probably assume that these two people are not married; however, if we are interested enough to speculate about them, we must ask ourselves how marriage would affect their lives. Please wait while we process your payment. One of the waiters is older and understands the elderly man's loneliness and how important the caf is to the old man's mental health. Read a summary and analysis of Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants", including the story's characters, themes and setting. Notice the symbolism later in the story when he carries their bags, covered with labels "from all the hotels where they had spent nights," to the other side of the tracks and deposits them there while he goes back into the bar, alone, to have another drink. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. During the very short exchanges between the man and the girl, she changes from someone who is almost completely dependent upon the man to someone who is more sure of herself and more aware of what to expect from him. "Hills Like White Elephants'" characters are mostly unnamed. The white elephants also symbolize an object or problem that you have that's tough or costly to get rid of - in this case, a pregnancy. As the story unwinds, the Iceberg technique displayed in the story shows the couple discussing the girl's pregnancy. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? 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.". More directly, the setting is a railway station, as illustrated by Hemingway when he states "between two lines of rails in the sun" (Hemingway 275). Your subscription will continue automatically once the free trial period is over. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. Deeper Study. However, maintaining the elephant would be so expensive as to ruin the recipient. The Girl (Jig) Character Timeline in Hills Like White Elephants The timeline below shows where the character The Girl (Jig) appears in Hills Like White Elephants. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs A Clean, Well-Lighted Place. It was perfectly natural for Jig to be afraid given that, at the time, abortion was illegal just about everywhere in the world. 'They seem like white elephants . | The early editors returned it because they thought that it was a "sketch" or an "anecdote," not a short story. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance. Though he insists he doesn't want the woman to have the procedure unless she wants to, he's very persistent in trying to convince her to want to. The setting helps convey the theme. On the other hand, we feel that the girl is not at all sure that she wants an abortion. Generally, "Hills Like White Elephants" analysis focuses on the ending: what does the girl mean when she says "I'm fine," and does she choose to go along with the man or keep the baby? Then what will we do afterward? Well be fine afterward. for a group? Want 100 or more? on 50-99 accounts. Yes! If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. The woman makes some playful conversation, but the man resists a bit. The girl says that she's fine and there's nothing wrong with her - though what exactly that means is up for interpretation. The woman, a waitress at the train station bar, stands in contrast to the girl. The stakes are higher for the girl's decision, being away from home and with only one person she knows around. An American man and a girl are sitting at an outdoor caf in a Spanish train station, waiting for a fast, non-stop train coming from Barcelona that will take them to Madrid, where the girl will have an abortion. Finally, the man asserts that "I don't want anybody but you. In other words, he does not get inside the two main. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. You can view our. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Renews March 8, 2023 In fact, the girl cant even order drinks from the bartender on her own without having to rely on the mans ability to speak Spanish. While it's not stated explicitly, it's pretty clear from context clues in the conversation between the man and the girl that the "procedure" is an abortion. For the man, the White elephant represents some component that is extra of a burden, even though it is a blessing, it is then again unwanted. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Sometimes it can end up there. Discount, Discount Code It centers around two waiters and an elderly man who patronizes the caf late at night before closing time. I feel like its a lifeline. . for a customized plan. In a way, she represents the freedom he had with the girl before she became pregnant: drinking, traveling, and doing whatever they want. Early objections to this story also cited the fact that there are no traditional characterizations. You can view our. The shape of an elephant might also be a small hint at a baby bump, revealing more of the story's hidden meaning. He includes displeasing words and phrases to indicate the protagonists' relationship has come to an end. I wouldnt have you do it if you didnt want to. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. 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. Teachers and parents! By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. Jig, however, seems more concerned about their being happy and things going back to the way they were "before," while the American is thinking about an "operation" that he clearly seems to want Jig to have. When it was written, authors were expected to guide readers through a story. Ernest Hemingway and "Hills Like White Elephants" Background. However, the girl contradicts him and, at that moment, seems suddenly strong and more in control of the situation. 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." 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. for a group? However, it is clear that the two are very different. Hills Like White Elephants This back-and-forth forms the major conflict and plot of "Hills Like White Elephants." Ian Matthews has taught composition, creative writing, and research at the college level for more than 5 years; he's also been an Instructional Designer for more than 3 years. Unlike the American, the girl is less sure of what she wants and appears reluctant to have the operation in question. The frequently anthologized Hills Like White Elephants first printed in transition magazine in 1927 is often read and taught as a perfect illustration of Ernest Hemingway's minimalist, self-proclaimed "iceberg" style of writing: In much of Hemingway's fiction what is said in the story often is less important than what has not been said. The way that the story is told by the author the reader can see the story told in their head. They were all waiting reasonably for the train. We know nothing about their backgrounds. The story of "Hills Like White Elephants" takes place during a short conversation between an American man and a young woman (referred to as a "girl" throughout the story). Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Latest answer posted December 06, 2012 at 11:16:47 PM. Obviously, this mother-to-be is facing a difficult situation: she's been given a choice that she really doesn't have the authority to make. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. When Jig expresses her opinion that the surrounding hills look like white elephants, it's notable that the man's response is dour and phlegmatic. Please wait while we process your payment. Continue to start your free trial. I know you wouldnt mind it, Jig. TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. "Analysis of 'Hills Like White Elephants' by Ernest Hemingway." 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. The girl says she's fine, that there's nothing wrong with her, and the story ends. Complete your free account to request a guide. Just because you say I wouldnt have doesnt prove anything.. (including. Joshua holds a master's degree in Latin and has taught a variety of Classical literature and language courses. Dont have an account? The tension remains, coiled and tight, as they prepare to leave for Madrid. You'll be billed after your free trial ends. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from SparkNotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. 10th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, American Prose for 10th Grade: Homework Help, Hills Like White Elephants: Theme, Symbolism & Literary Analysis, Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses. Previous This is a character moment that adds up to an image of her as wishy-washy, swayed by the man's point of view. But I know its perfectly simple., But if I do it, then it will be nice again if I say things are like white elephants, and youll like it?, Then Ill do it. Rather, it's a way to build in more meaning through intentional use of detail, imagery, and plot events. Throughout this dialogue, the girl's crumbling realization that she is not truly loved is a strong undercurrent that creates tension and suppressed fear. Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert. In this sense, the man and girl represent stereotypes of male and female roles: the male as active and the female as passive. He's assertive and overbearing in trying to convince the girl to get the abortion. She knows that even if she has the operation, their relationship wont return to how it used to be. $18.74/subscription + tax, Save 25% Give us your paper requirements, choose a writer and well deliver the highest-quality essay! This reading also points to her general passivity in the story - she doesn't really do anything the whole time - and Hemingway's general body of work when it comes to female characters. Throughout the story, the girl appears helpless, confused, and indecisive. When the story opens, he is waiting at. But underneath the surface of "Hills Like White Elephants" there are hidden meanings, themes, and motives for each character. By signing up you agree to our terms and privacy policy. She's lying, acquiescing to what he wants, hoping to quiet him. This short story is set at a lonely railway station along the Ebro River that runs through northeastern Spain, where Ernest Hemingway spent a considerable amount of time during the early 20th century. Since its release in 1927, "Hills Like White Elephants" has been the subject of much interpretation and analysis; critics have dubbed it both feminist and anti-feminist, based on their interpretations of the story's final moments. "The Man" in "Hills Like White Elephants" is an American traveling in Spain with his female companion. In practice, this means that the true meaning of a story should never be stated directly. They liked the fact that Hemingway doesn't even say whether or not the two characters are married. One reason for assuming this bare-bones guesswork lies in tone of "the girl." No, you wouldnt have. I might have, the man said. It isn't surprising, then, that there is so much tension between them. Compare this narrative technique to the traditional nineteenth-century method of telling a story. Cant we maybe stop talking?, Doesnt it mean anything to you? He wants the girl to seekan abortion in order to maintain the freedom he enjoys, but he wants it to be her decision. One side of the station has . Jig and her lover are clearly on completely different wavelengths. The discussion about whether to go through with the abortion reveals underlying fissures in their relationship that they refuse to openly acknowledge. Wed love to have you back! Jig seems to be unconvinced by the American's assurances that the couple will be "fine afterward. The exact topic of their conversation isn't revealed, but from context clues and symbols readers can deduce that Jig is pregnant, and the man is trying to convince her to have an abortion. No, you wouldnt have., I might have, the man said. In part, some of the early rejection of this story lies in the fact that none of the editors who read it had any idea what was going on in the story. She also moves the story along in time. Ernest Hemingway and Hills Like White Elephants Background. March 1, 2023, SNPLUSROCKS20 Ive known lots of people that have done it. So have I, said the girl. What she will ultimately do is beyond the scope of the story. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs An error occurred trying to load this video. The man is afraid she will change her mind, which explains why he keeps assuring her that it is a very simple operation and that their relationship will be just the same afterwards. Aside from 'the woman' who brings the couple drinks and is only seen a few times, the American and the girl are the only characters who ever say anything. 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.". The author uses a lot of rhetorical devices to convey his message but mostly use imagery and symbolism. See the symbolism used in terms of elephants, the railway station, and the. What is the main conflict in the story "Hills Like White Elephants". creating and saving your own notes as you read. Purchasing She sees the name of a drink, Anis Del Toro, and the man orders two. The hills of Spain, to the girl, are like white elephants in their bareness and round, protruding shape. There are three characters: the American (the man), the Girl (Jig), and the waitress (the woman). He is a drunk who has just tried to kill himself. The desires of the two characters are hidden from each other and the communication between the two breaks down. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. The girl also tries to put her two-cents in, using the fertile landscape on the other side of the tracks as a metaphor for the life they could have as a family. The author of Hills Like White Elephants is Ernest Hemingway. However, as the story illustrates, such a power dynamic is fundamentally flawed and destructive. They sit down at a train station in Spain, between Barcelona and Madrid, and order beers from a waitress ("the woman," the only other character in the story). Jig has become pregnant, and the man has persuaded her to have an abortion in Madrid. For the next 7 days, you'll have access to awesome PLUS stuff like AP English test prep, No Fear Shakespeare translations and audio, a note-taking tool, personalized dashboard, & much more! Free trial is available to new customers only. Given their seemingly free style of living and their relish for freedom, a baby and a marriage would impose great changes in their lives. Our writers can help you with any type of essay. In contrast, we have no idea how to react to Hemingway's characters. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/hills-like-white-elephants-analysis-2990497. The man. The American, or the man, does most of the talking in the story, and if one of "Hills Like White Elephants"' characters can be considered a villain, it's him. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. If you want a unique paper, order it from our professional writers. Its not really an operation at all.The girl looked at the ground the table legs rested on. The point of contention between them is that the man wants Jig to have an abortion, and Jig seems hesitant. The girl is the female companion of the storys other main character, Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Hemingway's 'Hills Like White Elephants' is a symbolic story about a couple facing an unwanted and untimely pregnancy. Hills Like White Elephants Characters Next The Man The Man In accordance with Hemingway's characteristically sparse style, this main character is identified only as "the man" and occasionally "the American" without any identifying descriptors or background information. The man has employed a passive-aggressive approach to urging the woman, Jig, to go through with the procedure, subtly moving the action in his desired direction while attempting to place the burden of the decision on her. Its really not anything. When the story opens, he is waiting at read analysis of The Man The Girl (Jig) William Faulkner Biography & Books | Who was William Faulkner? 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