Hills Like White Eyes by Ernest Hemingway



Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway emphasizes how both people- an American girl and a man, who are avoiding an important topic about an operation, that is later to be found out about abortion.

 It shows that the man's role holds a power dynamic in the relationship. He persuades the "girl" that the abortion is "perfectly simple." The "girl" battles confusion, indecision, confusion. This points her out to be naive. Therefore she selflessly cares for the American guy. Even if she decides to have the operation, she knows it will not be back to normal. She doesn't quite understand why they can not still have the "whole world" if she decides to carry a child.  He remains disconnected and does not quite understand what the girl is trying to say.  He believes if she decides to keep it, he will no longer be free. This is where his manipulation/selfishness comes in. 

Moreover, it displays the differences in which both view pregnancy. The woman views it as a beautiful aspect of life. This is why she casually brings up the view of the fertile hills- "They're lovely hills." She also refers to the hills like white elephants. This can be a comparison to what she is dealing with. The man views pregnancy just the opposite. He does not see the hills like white elephants. 

   

Comments

  1. Nea Jefferson28 January 2021 at 12:53

    I also agree that he holds the power role or at least initially. It seems however as the story progresses that she may hold more power than we may have first believed. I like the concept that she sees the hills as 'fertile'. Can you expand on how seeing the hills like white elephants a comparison to what she is dealing with?

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