Hills like White Elephants - Essay Example

Ironically, though the man is unjust, he is insecure because he always needs to feel superior to Jig. For instance, when Jig says that he has not seen any white elephants, he responds: “…just because you say I wouldn't have doesn't prove anything” (Hemingway 401). He has a defensive tone in his language that shows that he does not want to be inferior to Jig. In addition, the man dominates Jig through his condescending attitude. The jig is going to undergo a physically-intrusive and potentially emotionally-damaging abortion operation, and yet he calls it an “effortless operation” that is “perfectly natural” (Hemingway 401).

He also asserts that abortion will make everything return to normal because it is “the only thing” that made them “unhappy” (Hemingway 401). He wants a carefree relationship with no strings attached. In addition, their relationship is unequal because the man wants to monopolize the power in making decisions for their welfare by emphasizing the girl’s lack of knowledge on abortion and relationships. The words “perfectly simple” (Hemingway 403) are redundant already, which means that he is saying that Jig knows nothing about abortions.

He even pretends to care for her by saying that she can choose not to abort it, but he also reminds her that the operation is “effortless” (Hemingway 403). His true intention is to control their relationship according to his needs and wants alone. The jig is young, so she tends to initially be passive and emotionally dependent on the man. However, as she reflects on the importance of having a baby, she develops courage and independence. She is young because the story refers to her as “the girl” to emphasize her age.

In addition, Jig is emotionally dependent at first on the man because she always wants his approval. When she thinks about abortion, she values the thoughts and feelings of the man. She says that if she does it, the man will be “happy and things will be like they were and [he]ll love [her]” (Hemingway 402). She cannot make decisions without prioritizing his feelings. Later, Jig becomes more dominating as she asks the man to “stop talking” (Hemingway 403). She resists his manipulations regarding the abortion and their relationship.

Finally, when she says that she is fine and there is “nothing wrong” with her (Hemingway 403), it can be argued as a courageous act that she is ready to have a baby because she can be fine as she is without the man. Jig gains autonomy by showing that she can make decisions about her emotions and future.