Themes: Men and Women
In "Hills Like White Elephants," Hemingway explores the interactions between men and women. His stories often feature a strong masculine perspective, with leading characters who are typically patriarchal and sexist. However, as Peter Messent notes, this particular story "foregrounds a woman’s point of view." The more the American man talks, the more ridiculous he seems. For example, he tells Jig, "It’s really an awfully simple operation, Jig... It’s not really an operation at all." Jig's silence speaks volumes. She fully grasps what an abortion involves and how it will be performed. After all, it’s her body that is affected. Furthermore, it is anything but simple: abortions were illegal at the time and place (Spain did not legalize abortion until 1985), and they could be life-threatening. Jig is aware of this, and the man's minimization of the issue highlights his self-centeredness.
At the start of the story, the American tries to convince Jig to have the abortion by downplaying its importance. He asserts his supposed superior understanding and wants her to comply. However, when she agrees to the abortion because he wants it, he replies, "I don’t want you to do it if you don’t want to. I’m perfectly willing to go through with it if it means anything to you." The use of "it" is crucial here: it refers not just to the abortion but also to the baby. While the American wants Jig to undergo the abortion, he avoids taking accountability for it. She has to have the abortion to keep him, but she must also pretend it’s what she wants. Through this narrative, Hemingway suggests that a man may attempt to control not only the circumstances he faces but also a woman’s responses to those circumstances.
Expert Q&A
Why does Jig in Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" often express herself sarcastically?
Jig in Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" often expresses herself sarcastically because she feels pressured by her partner to have an abortion and is reluctant to confront him directly. Her sarcasm reflects her ambivalence, dependence on the man, societal norms of her time, and the stress of potentially losing her relationship or her baby.
If you were a marriage counselor, what advice would you give to the couple in Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants"?
As a marriage counselor, advice for the couple in "Hills Like White Elephants" would focus on improving communication and addressing manipulation. The couple struggles to communicate directly, often avoiding the real issue. Encouraging them to openly express their feelings and concerns is crucial. Additionally, addressing the partner's indirect pressure on Jig to have an abortion is vital, helping them recognize and resolve manipulative behavior to make a truly mutual decision.
Inferences about the age difference between the man and the girl in "Hills Like White Elephants."
While the text of "Hills Like White Elephants" does not specify the exact ages of the man and the girl, inferences can be made about their age difference. The man appears older and more experienced, often taking a paternalistic tone, while the girl seems younger and more uncertain, indicating a significant age gap between them.
Relationship Dynamics in "Hills Like White Elephants"
The relationship between Jig and the American in "Hills Like White Elephants" is ambiguous, with evidence suggesting both marriage and a mere romantic involvement. The American's repeated insistence that Jig does not have to undergo the operation hints at a potential willingness to support a family, implying marriage. However, the narrative's introduction of Jig as "the girl with him" and the lack of explicit mention of marriage suggest they might not be married. The story's symbolism and Hemingway's objective style leave their marital status open to interpretation, reflecting the fragile nature of their relationship.
Gender dynamics and communication in Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants"
In "Hills Like White Elephants," Hemingway explores gender dynamics and communication through the conversation between the man and the woman. The man dominates the dialogue, subtly pressuring the woman about a significant decision, while the woman's responses reveal her emotional struggle and desire for autonomy. Their communication highlights the power imbalance and underlying tension in their relationship.
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