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Hills Like White Elephants Literary Analysis Essay

1359 Words6 Pages

Dalton Dornburg Ms. Billo English 1302 22 March 2018 Literary Analysis Research Paper: Hills like White Elephants The short story "Hills Like White Elephants," by Ernest Hemingway, is about a young couple and the issue of abortion. However, since the word "abortion” is found nowhere is the story, it is mainly understood through Hemingway's use of literacy elements such as setting and symbolism. This story takes place in a very short period of time, but yet tell a tale that is much bigger than face value. The woman is named Jig, where the man is known simply as "The American." Although the relationship between the two is uncertain, they are clearly not married, but have maintained a relationship that resulted in the woman being pregnant. The story hints that the couple travel often and stop in different cities before moving on to the next. The couple have different thoughts and views on the decision to get an abortion and these feelings …show more content…

His active spirit is shown through the bags with all the hotel labels on them. He realizes that if Jig were to continue with the pregnancy, he would have to settle down and consider raising a family, which would mean putting an end to seeing the world. Their traveling lifestyle would not be possible with a baby, or at least it would be difficult to continue in it’s current form. Therefore, the man thinks an abortion is the best solution. This is quite clear due to his general declaration of an abortion or operation being an "easy" and "simple" process, and that things will be as they were after it is performed. His comments of "I don't want anyone but you" and "I don't want anyone else'' illustrate his desire to keep their relationship at it is by not introducing a child into their life. Jig has obvious doubts, but she goes along with it for the sake of continuing their lifestyle that they have

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