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Compare And Contrast Selfishness In 'Hills Like White Elephants'

706 Words3 Pages

The two stories chosen are “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway written in 1927 and “The Horse Dealer’s Daughter” by D.H. Lawrence written in 1922. I decided to compare selfishness in both of these stories. The “Hills Like White Elephants” main characters are the American and girlfriend Jig, deals with an unwanted pregnancy and an operation. The story takes place at a train station, the two characters over a couple of beer strike up a conversation regarding Jig condition. The American suggests that their single, carefree lifestyle doesn’t include a child and he was indifferent to the situation. Furthermore, the American suggests the operation only if she was in agreement; however, never insisting on the operation, leaving the situation …show more content…

“I want you, I want to marry you, we’re going to be married, quickly, quickly=to-morrow if I can.” (Lawrence 846) In conclusion, The American and Mabel play on the emotional state of the other characters. The American, pushing for an operation, suggesting this being the best course for their future together; he would love her despite her decision. However, the feeling remains that their relationship wasn’t going to survive. Mabel, due to her financial situation and having no prospects of a home or family shows desperation to find someone to give her a stable way of life. Dr. Jack was that individual; he was an easy target and manipulated into thinking that he was in love with Mabel. Both of these characters captured my interest, the comparison between the male and female character laying out the vast differences in how the sexes portray selfishness. The American and Mabel consequently mastered the art of selfishness. The American and Mabel acted accordingly, one wanted to remain free without the obligations of fatherhood, while the other was looking for stability and a way out of foreseen

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