Literary Analysis: Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway - Book Report/Review Example

 Topic: Literary analysis: Hills Like White Elephants, by Ernest Hemingway In “Hills Like White Elephants,” Ernest Hemingway creates character development through actions and dialogues instead of descriptions and allegories. The time-limit of the story is short, but it throws light on a profound issue. Conversations hold the mirror as for the mindset of the people involved in the story. The setting of the story is in Spain around in 1927 and the place is a bar in s train station. A man and a woman, the two main characters in the story, are engaged in a conversation as they have drinks at the bar. The topic of their serious discussion is not stated explicitly but one can gather that it is about the abortion for the girl. Ernest Hemingway’s mention about the statement by the man, “It’s just to let the air in,” (212) is the indicator about the gravity of the conversation. In the absence of clear-cut guidelines relating to the story, Hemingway successfully employs the technique of challenging the reader’s imagination, and that is the elegance of this story. The reader has a task cutout for him to assume about the possible conclusion of the story. A powerful imagery is the hallmark of the story, in the title and through the dialogues. The girl thinks of white elephants in relation to the mountains in Spain. A white elephant is a metaphor for a big possession that is difficult to maintain which consumes much and delivers less. The name of the woman is Jig and the man is the American. Their relationship is vague and is not clearly defined. Without marrying they have initiated a relationship resulting in girl’s pregnancy. They move from place to place with abrupt halts. The reader is unable to fathom what their relationship is. Their conversation is childlike without any undercurrent of serious responsibility, as the American tells her to “cut it out” (212) and Jig replies, “you started it.” (212). The protagonist of the story is Jig. She speaks the first line in the story. Being sensitive, she is uncomfortable about discussing the topic of abortion. She speaks through her heart; her emotions generate from her inner world, whereas the American is a conversationalist and tries to introduce the art of public relations in his talk with Jig. The American somehow wishes to get rid of the mess that he has created for himself, and says in an argumentative and emphatic tone, “It’s really an awfully simple operation, Jig."(212) Jig, it seems, is not interested in terminating the pregnancy, and she is thoroughly uncomfortable with the suggestion of the American. Still, she is inclined to toe the line of action suggested by the American, being unable to challenge him. A world of difference exists between her life before pregnancy and now. Her lifestyle has been carefree as would be observed from her assertion, “look at things and try new drinks,” (212). About Hemingway’s characters in the story Frank Kelly Rich writes, “His literary heroes not only used alcohol as ready incendiary to start dramatic fires, but also as a wall against humanity—drinking to excess was viewed as the one sure way a man could build a barrier between himself and the world he had come to loathe.”(Modern….) Pregnancy creates a new circuit in her life and opens up unthought-of dimensions. What appeals to her once, no more enchants her, in the changed circumstances. She craves for the child, but realizes that the present lifestyle is not possible with the responsibility of taking care of the child. Therefore, the American persuades her for the abortion and pleads that it is an “easy” and “simple” process and when that is done, it is possible to recoup the level of happiness they have been enjoying. Jig is in a serious dilemma. Normally the reader at this stage thinks that the delicate problem between the two relates to the “still born,” child. Besides, it is an emotional and ethical issue. She is frustrated and wishes to end the conversation on the topic and asks him, to “please please please please please please please stop talking". (214)When he again attempts to restart the conversation, she threatens to scream. But the American, as portrayed by Hemingway, is insensitive, his dialogues are cosmetic, he is just interested in finding the escape route. What he is doing is little short of emotional blackmail of a sensitive woman who cares a great deal about him. The American’s comments of "I don't want anyone but you"(215) and "I don't want anyone else"(215) are business-like and devoid of genuine sentiments. It almost expresses hatred for the child that is yet to emerge in this world and in place of the heart he must be having a stone. The American is a clever psychological manipulator. The author makes sincere efforts to detach himself from the characters of the story, but the impact of his mindset is revealed in the attitude of the American. Earnest Hemingway (1899-1961) has lived through the most volatile period of human history to witness the unfortunate events like two world wars, the Nazi holocaust, and the nuclear devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Jeffrey Meyers writes, “Hemingway expressed three ideas that recurred throughout his life—martial powers, selfish women and suicidal man…..”(1) As for the technique of writing Hemingway shows his expertise in the art of subtle writing with hidden meanings. Izzane writes, “In my community college English Literature class, I know I didn't understand "Hills Like White Elephants." The instructor explained the imagery. It wasn't until later, after having a child, that I could understand the story.”(Yahoo) Conclusion: To talk about abortion ninety years ago could not be as easy as it is in the present times. Hemingway intelligently tries to sweep under the carpet, his real-life experiences, but as it happens with the instinct of a true writer, they are revealed with the interactions and conversations amongst the two important characters of this story, Jig and the American. Works Cited Hemingway, Ernest. The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway: Scribner; The Finca Eigia Edition, August 3, 1998 Meyers, Jeffrey. Hemingway: A Biography. Da Capo Press, May 7, 1999 Izzane. Favorite Short Story Collection: Ernest Hemingway. Aug 21, 2010. Accessed on December 23, 2012 Rich, Frank Kelley. Hemingway - Modern Drunkard Magazine Accessed on December 23, 2012 Read More