Can the reader of “Hills like White Elephants” experience the success of the male character, known as “the American”, or the triumph of Jig, the female character, at the end of the story?
The argument of the American couple waiting at a junction between Barcelona and Madrid represents the centre of Ernest Hemingway’s short story. Heming-way published this short story as part of the story collection “Men without Women” in 1927 (ANONYMOUS, 1996). Therefore, it can be assumed that the setting of the story is also conceived for the 1920ies.
It is never directly mentioned that both discuss the abortion of their unborn child, although it becomes clear through implications within the text. Whereas the man tries to convince her in a manipulating manner to undergo surgery, she dreams of a future with the child (HEMINGWAY, 1956: 249ff). LAMB even states that: “Much of the conversation is so obscure that on the literal level it can be comprehended only in light of the entire story” (LAMB, 1996: 469). Sev-eral metaphors, images and other literary devices, such as the simile being present in the title and in its several repetitions in the story, add to the reader’s perception of the shown conflict.
Apparently, the male character represents the dominant part in the relationship and the successful one in the conversation. As the girl states “But I don’t care about me. And I’ll do it and then everything will be fine” (HEMINGWAY, 1956: 251) after being talked at by her boyfriend, it seems that she gives up and sac-rifices her wishes. However, scholars discuss whether the American or the girl can force their individual points in the end. The aim of this research paper is to examine this question. An analysis of the structure of the short story, the impor-tance of place and positioning as well as the language of both characters will support the clarification of the hypothesis mentioned above regarding the tri-umph of the man. Nevertheless, there could be another reading, too. Probably his female counterpart is more influential than it seems to be at first sight.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Modern dialogue - the structure of the short story
- Hills and junction - the strong prominence of place and positioning
- Repetition, manipulation and sarcasm the language of the characters
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper analyzes Ernest Hemingway's short story, "Hills Like White Elephants," examining the power dynamics between the male and female characters and the ultimate outcome of their conversation. The paper investigates whether the male character ("the American") achieves his objective or if the female character (Jig) exerts more influence than initially appears.
- Analysis of the structure of Hemingway's modern dialogue
- The significance of setting and positioning within the narrative
- Examination of the characters' language, including repetition, manipulation, and sarcasm
- Interpretation of the central metaphor: "hills like white elephants"
- Exploration of the power dynamic and ultimate outcome of the conversation
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants," setting the stage for an analysis of the power dynamics between the American man and Jig. It posits the hypothesis that Jig, despite initially appearing submissive, might hold more influence than initially perceived. The chapter establishes the setting – a train station between Barcelona and Madrid – and highlights the indirect nature of the couple's conversation about an impending abortion, emphasizing the use of metaphors and literary devices to convey the central conflict.
Modern dialogue - the structure of the short story: This section delves into Hemingway's stylistic choice of using primarily dialogue to drive the narrative. It analyzes how this "modern dialogue," characterized by its realism and implication, subtly reveals the relationship between the characters. Examples, like the initial exchange about drinks, illustrate Jig's lack of autonomy and the American's manipulative nature. The chapter connects Hemingway's journalistic background to his fiction writing style, noting his concise sentences and avoidance of unnecessary words, aligning with his "iceberg theory" of omission to enhance emotional impact.
Hills and junction - the strong prominence of place and positioning: This chapter focuses on the setting's significance, framing the couple's interaction within the cultural and religious context of Spain. The symbolic importance of the "hills like white elephants" simile is explored, acknowledging multiple interpretations, including the idea of an unwanted possession. The chapter also examines the physical setting of the train station as a neutral space where the conflict unfolds, analyzing the subtle ways the environment mirrors the emotional state of the characters.
Keywords
Ernest Hemingway, Hills Like White Elephants, modern dialogue, setting, power dynamics, abortion, manipulation, metaphor, symbolism, literary analysis.
Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants": A Comprehensive FAQ
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of a research paper analyzing Ernest Hemingway's short story, "Hills Like White Elephants." It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the key themes explored in the research paper?
The research paper analyzes the power dynamics between the male and female characters in "Hills Like White Elephants," focusing on the male character's objective and whether the female character exerts more influence than initially perceived. Key themes include the structure of Hemingway's modern dialogue, the significance of setting and positioning, the characters' use of language (repetition, manipulation, and sarcasm), the central metaphor ("hills like white elephants"), and the overall power dynamic and outcome of the conversation.
What is covered in the "Introduction" chapter?
The introduction sets the stage for the analysis, introducing Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" and posing the hypothesis that the female character (Jig) might hold more influence than initially appears. It establishes the setting (a train station) and highlights the indirect nature of their conversation about an impending abortion, emphasizing the use of metaphors and literary devices.
What is the focus of the chapter on "Modern dialogue - the structure of the short story"?
This chapter examines Hemingway's stylistic choice of using primarily dialogue to drive the narrative. It analyzes how this "modern dialogue," characterized by realism and implication, subtly reveals the characters' relationship. It connects Hemingway's journalistic background to his fiction writing style, emphasizing his concise sentences and the "iceberg theory" of omission.
What does the chapter "Hills and junction - the strong prominence of place and positioning" analyze?
This chapter focuses on the setting's significance, exploring the symbolic importance of the "hills like white elephants" simile and the train station as a neutral space where the conflict unfolds. It analyzes how the environment mirrors the characters' emotional state and considers the cultural and religious context of Spain.
What are the keywords associated with this research paper?
The keywords include: Ernest Hemingway, Hills Like White Elephants, modern dialogue, setting, power dynamics, abortion, manipulation, metaphor, symbolism, literary analysis.
What is the overall objective of the research paper?
The research paper aims to analyze the power dynamics in Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants," investigating whether the male character achieves his objective or if the female character holds more influence than initially apparent. It does this through a close reading of the story's dialogue, setting, and use of literary devices.
What kind of analysis does the research paper employ?
The research paper utilizes literary analysis, focusing on close readings of the text to interpret the characters' interactions, the symbolic meaning of the setting, and the use of language to convey meaning and emotion. It also considers Hemingway's stylistic choices and their impact on the overall narrative.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2009, An analysis of Ernest Hemingway’s “Hills like White Elephants”, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/138489
