According to its dictionary definition feminism is the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. Feminism in its literary form depicts the struggles and inequalities women face within society In both "Hills Like White Elephants" and "The Yellow Wallpaper" both women seem to lack the complete control over their own bodies.
In Hemingway's "Hills like White Elephants," an unidentified man attempts to sway his girlfriend, Jig, to have an abortion. The American man, whom jig is financially, and emotionally dependent on insists on letting Jig make the decision about her own body yet does not fail to give his respected opinion. While Jig does not seem to be willing to give up her child, she is aware of the dependency and realizes if she does not go along with the abortion, the man will leave her to support herself and a newborn …show more content…
“No, it isn’t (ours) and once they take it away, you never get it back” (Hemingway). Jig wants to have her child and desires the support of the father of her child; however, She knows she cannot have both.
Like most stereotypical women—especially in that time period, Jig suppresses her own voice and desires and is submissive to the man. Throughout the story, Hemingway refers to jig as a “girl” while the American is given the mature, assertive title of the “man.” This is used to show the immaturity and inexperience of Jig as she is faced with this life altering decision. The girl is obviously not respected and trusted to make the right choice—ultimately, one regarding her own body-- that she is guided by the much more knowledgeable man. Jig’s feminine character is not
In Hemingway's "Hills like White Elephants," an unidentified man attempts to sway his girlfriend, Jig, to have an abortion. The American man, whom jig is financially, and emotionally dependent on insists on letting Jig make the decision about her own body yet does not fail to give his respected opinion. While Jig does not seem to be willing to give up her child, she is aware of the dependency and realizes if she does not go along with the abortion, the man will leave her to support herself and a newborn …show more content…
“No, it isn’t (ours) and once they take it away, you never get it back” (Hemingway). Jig wants to have her child and desires the support of the father of her child; however, She knows she cannot have both.
Like most stereotypical women—especially in that time period, Jig suppresses her own voice and desires and is submissive to the man. Throughout the story, Hemingway refers to jig as a “girl” while the American is given the mature, assertive title of the “man.” This is used to show the immaturity and inexperience of Jig as she is faced with this life altering decision. The girl is obviously not respected and trusted to make the right choice—ultimately, one regarding her own body-- that she is guided by the much more knowledgeable man. Jig’s feminine character is not