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Jig In Hemingway's Hills Like White Elephants

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In Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants”, a conversation takes place involving two people who discuss an crucial decision to make that is unknown to the audience. Jig, the young girl in the discussion seems to be the one who is ultimately going to be the most affective by this decision. While, the American man, whose name is not mentioned, frequently encourages the woman that whatever choice she makes he will stand by her. The ambiguous choice to make is assumed by many scholars to be about an abortion (Cummings) which is referred to in the text by the American as “It’s really an awfully simple operation, Jig” (Hemingway 887). The conversation between these two lovers is clearly dominated by the young girl, Jig, who uses various techniques of psychological manipulation to influence the man and figure out if he is truly loyal to her. The setting takes place in a bar by the Barcelona train station where the next train is headed for Madrid. Jig eases her dominance gently …show more content…

At first, the girl remains silent and listens to the man quickly assuring her he would stand by her, “I’ll go with you and I’ll stay with you all the time” (887). Jig now continues to ask him more questions after every assurance or encouragement he gives her. At one point the American claims his love for her saying, “I love you now. You know I love you” (888). This acclamation was in response to Jig asking him if they will ever be happy again like they used to be before the operation has taken place. From this point on, Jig uses another tactic where she plays the victim rather than aggressor who irritates the other person or asks the heavy questions. Through playing the victim, Jig allows the American to feel like he is the one who is dominant and she is the one who plays the submissive role. By playing the victim role, the man becomes even more hysterical to prove his devotion towards

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