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Hills like elephants essay

Ernest Hemingway was born in a suburb of Chicago called Oak Park on the 21st of July 1899 and died in 1961 (Ernest Hemingway). He was an American author with enormous talents. He wrote many renowned books and was well known for his “ minimalist style” (Ellipsis). Through his story Hills Like White Elephants, Hemmingway throws light upon the grave issue of abortion (Hills Like White Elephants). This whole story by Hemmingway is about a conversation between a couple regarding the decision of abortion.

Implication and “ allusion” are the instruments through which Hemingway has skillfully presented different viewpoints of the two people who are unable to communicate with each other (Bernardo). The title Hills Like White Elephants, adopted by the author for his story, is a euphemism. As the commentator Bernardo states in her article: “ The title bears this out; a pregnant woman looks like she has the stomach of an elephant — certainly not the way most men want to see their lovers — and “ white elephant” is a euphemism for something nobody wants, in this case the baby” (Bernardo).

In this story the man claims to be devoted to the girl and yet strives to persuade her into the abortion, which evidently reveals that he is not prepared for the responsibilities of a father (Hills Like White Elephants). Hemmingway makes use of allusions and phrases that help the reader understand the story better than the conversation itself. In this story the girl is named Jig which means “ a happy dance” but on the contrary it may have been used as the phrase “ jig it up”, which implies that “ its all over” (Bernardo) for her when her partner suggests abortion (Bernardo).

The perplexed state of mind of the girl portrayed in this story discloses the girl’s resistance towards the termination of her pregnancy (Hills Like White Elephants). The vague decisions made by her leads to a general sense of gloom and melancholy, effectively portrayed by the author. It is apparent that she is unhappy with her decision but she also understands that she has lost the battle against her partner (Bernardo).

Therefore in order to escape his consistent pressure, she gives in to her partner’s endless pleas, requests through which the mean and selfless man tactfully compels the innocent and naive young girl to look forward to an uncertain happy and contented future. Their relationship in this story presents a gloomy picture of an immature couple falling for the lust of undesired attitude (Bernardo). Gender bias is augmenting in America due to the absolute differences in attitudes of men and women.

Reading through the short story under consideration, it is evident that the writer has done a marvelous job in presenting the view of the two stark opposites, a mature but extremely selfish man and a young, guileless girl making relentless efforts to secure her affectionate but baseless relationship. Hemingway has made her mark by narrating an interesting story addressing a highly serious issue woven into the intricate story line of the Hills like White Elephants.

Each passage presents a new reflection of the male dominated society and the general attitude of women towards the unjustified demands of their lovers. For instance, in this story the man is least bothered about his counterpart’s feelings towards the idea of abortion and forces her to comply with his demand (Bernardo). Thus this story unveils significant aspects of women’s character in general. It reveals that women are naive and emotionally too dependent on their male counterparts thereby letting go off their as precious assets as their own blood babies.

For instance, the emotionally submissive and indecisive girl gave up her child thinking that by doing so she might save her relationship from dooming (Hills like White Elephants). Hence the analysis of the story reveals the general characteristics of the American men; selfish, mean and extremely introvert thinking of their well being. This story also tells that men in general lack sense of duty and are hesitant to shoulder responsibility.

For example: the male leading character forces the girl to carry out abortion so that he can live a carefree life without any additional responsibilities of a child (Bernardo). Reading between the lines it is translucent that men have been since ancient times assertive forcing their female counterparts to conform to their unfair expectations. For instance: In this story the male leading character falls in love which is in reality the worst form of infatuation for it is the mere lust of sexual acts that American men fall prey to thereby destroying the life of emotionally weak girls.

The man after making out with her lover forces her to choose abortion as the only rational alternative (Hills like white Elephants). Hence, by forcing the girl to believe that it is only through abortion that their relationship may last, he utilizes the tool of undue assertion to impose his opinion (Bernardo). Moreover, men force the submissive sex to satisfy their demanding nature by creating false impressions on women.

For example: the man first coerced the stupid girl to have sex with him followed by a forced decision to have an abortion creating a false notion that had she not opted for the only “ best way” (Ellipsis), their relationship might suffer dramatically. The author portrays that women nature is to be loved and wanted and to seek attention of their male counterparts and therefore they indulge into illegal activities in the name of love and face devastating problems later on. This story tells that lack of awareness is another major issue that is not properly dealt with, for example the irresponsible couple indulged into illegal activity without realizing the harmful consequences and therefore took no precautionary measures. Had the man was sensible enough to at least take the much-needed prudent steps, the girl would not have suffered the anguish of losing a baby. Furthermore, the couple would have been saved the uncalled for emergency and the devastating outcome that led to emotional as well as psychological destruction of the girl. Conclusion

Hence from the analytical research and the discussion that follows in the aforementioned passages, it is evident that Ernest Hemingway has managed to address a highly debatable issue of abortion and the illegal sexual activities and the related devastating consequences. Moreover, the short story appends a thought-provoking moral and highlights various perspectives of the same. Hence, “ the most striking feature of this short story is the way in which it is told” thereby grabbing the attention of the young and old towards a serious issue that needs further thought and awareness.

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