In Hills Like White Elephants (Ernest Hemingway) an American couple, with a lot on their mind, decide to have a beer while waiting for their train in Spain. The woman keeps referring to the hills in the distance as “white elephants”. The two beginning to have a discussion about a “perfectly simple” operation, which we believe to be an abortion. The short story ends with them still waiting for the train and very unclear of how things are left between them. In this blog post I will write about how I believe the book ended. I will also reflect on a time when I had to chose to either stay or leave.
At the end of the short story the man asks the woman if she feels any better. The woman responded “There is nothing wrong with me. I feel fine.” I believe that this tells readers that she is leaving the man and keeping the baby. By her saying nothing is wrong with her it is hinting at the fact that having the baby will not make something wrong with her. Throughout the story there are many hints to the woman wanting to keep the baby. She is very optimistic calling the hills elephants or how she references the things around her. When the man mentions an “operation” the girl looks down at the ground and avoids making eye contact with him. Which shows that she does not want to be having this conversation. Another reason I believe the woman leaves the relationship because it is very evident that the man does not want what is best for her. He keeps telling her to have a “simple” operation and saying how they well be so happy after it is done. He continues to reference the baby as the only thing that has made them unhappy. After further discussion he tells the woman “You don’t have to be afraid. I’ve known lots of people that have done it.” To me he is trying to down play the seriousness of the operation and persuade her into doing it. It is clear that the man does not want the baby because it will completely change their lives. He is used to traveling together and drinking with her, but with a child those fun adventures seem impossible. Throughout their argument it shows that the mans view will not change and he only wants what is best for himself, which allows the woman to leave him.
1 Comment
Sabatino
2/20/2018 09:17:09 am
Your argumentative response provides a clear position:
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victoria KuonenI will write in this blog for my English Composition class. Archives
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