Hills Like White Elephants, By Ernest Hemingway
The topic of "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway continues to be a hot button issue, even 90 years after the story's publication. Though not as scandalous as it must have been in 1927, it remains the subject of great debate. In this short story, two lovers are awaiting a train that will whisk them away to Madrid for the purpose of an abortion. Even though the decision was made before arriving at the station, they continue to debate whether she will go through with it. The man's persuasive dialogue makes it apparent that he wants Jig to have the abortion and is worried that she will change her mind, however she is more concerned with the fate of her relationship with the man and the effects an abortion may have on her.
The first …show more content…
He tells her "'It's really an awfully simple operation, Jig,' the man said. 'It's not really an operation at all.'" (42) She has no response and only looks forlornly at the floor. Her concern is obvious; she is afraid of what will happen during this procedure and probably more than a little afraid of the pain. The man continues, "'I'll go with you and I'll stay with you all the time. They just let the air in and then it's all perfectly natural.'" (46) He is doing his best to downplay the seriousness of this operation. At that time, in the 1920's, abortions had a fairly high rate of maternal complications and deaths. In his desperation to convince her to end this pregnancy, he pushes those facts aside. His freedom is more important to him than the health of the woman he proclaims to …show more content…
Thus the girl, who now wants more than a relationship based on sex and alcohol, would have no reason to stay on with the man." Hashmi has a true understanding of the woman's inner turmoil, the back-and-forth arguing of her inner dialogue, and her resignation when she decides she will not stay with the American. Of course, Jig does not let on that this decision is made,or even that she was considering this decision in the first place. Arrogantly and perhaps being too comfortable in their relationship, the man does not fathom a reality where Jig would consider leaving him. Jig says to him, almost prophetically, "'And we could have all this,' she said. 'And we could have everything and every day we make it more impossible.'" (71) They argue back and forth for a moment over whether Jig is right and even more drinks are ordered.
She realizes that she is fighting a losing battle. The man will not relent. She wants to explore the idea of having the child, but he won't hear of it, not really. Jig has outgrown the man. She has matured with this experience and has come to the realization that the relationship would never work. He keeps telling her that she doesn't have to go through with it, but it is all a ruse. She knows he is just saying what he has to say to
The first …show more content…
He tells her "'It's really an awfully simple operation, Jig,' the man said. 'It's not really an operation at all.'" (42) She has no response and only looks forlornly at the floor. Her concern is obvious; she is afraid of what will happen during this procedure and probably more than a little afraid of the pain. The man continues, "'I'll go with you and I'll stay with you all the time. They just let the air in and then it's all perfectly natural.'" (46) He is doing his best to downplay the seriousness of this operation. At that time, in the 1920's, abortions had a fairly high rate of maternal complications and deaths. In his desperation to convince her to end this pregnancy, he pushes those facts aside. His freedom is more important to him than the health of the woman he proclaims to …show more content…
Thus the girl, who now wants more than a relationship based on sex and alcohol, would have no reason to stay on with the man." Hashmi has a true understanding of the woman's inner turmoil, the back-and-forth arguing of her inner dialogue, and her resignation when she decides she will not stay with the American. Of course, Jig does not let on that this decision is made,or even that she was considering this decision in the first place. Arrogantly and perhaps being too comfortable in their relationship, the man does not fathom a reality where Jig would consider leaving him. Jig says to him, almost prophetically, "'And we could have all this,' she said. 'And we could have everything and every day we make it more impossible.'" (71) They argue back and forth for a moment over whether Jig is right and even more drinks are ordered.
She realizes that she is fighting a losing battle. The man will not relent. She wants to explore the idea of having the child, but he won't hear of it, not really. Jig has outgrown the man. She has matured with this experience and has come to the realization that the relationship would never work. He keeps telling her that she doesn't have to go through with it, but it is all a ruse. She knows he is just saying what he has to say to