Those who have ever been in a serious relationship knows communication is essential, and at times can be extremely difficult with the opposite sex. Most often men look at situations from a logical stance along with speaking their mind. Alternatively, women view situations from their emotional side, and at times speak in code, a code for which the male intellect lacks the key. In Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants,” there are two Americans traveling in Spain. The setting of the scene is a bar located near the train station where a life altering conversation takes place as they await the arrival of the train to Madrid. The man is persuasive with his words, whereas the girl speaks with similes to express her thoughts on the subject. Truly,
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. . in the story contributes more than any other single quality to the powerful impact” (75). With the subtle references to, “white elephants” the reader is able to ascertain the complexity of this situation between the man and girl. Since, the meaning of the term “white elephant” refers to a possession which is difficult and expensive to maintain. An analysis provided by Louis Weeks stated, “The child is a white elephant that, in his selfishness, he wants to get rid of” (76). The man, in his logical way of thinking, attempts to persuade his love to have an abortion so they can be happy as they once were; however, she is unsure if this is the answer to their problems. Evidently, from her speech as well as her reactions it is apparent she wants to have this child, but at the same time is fearful of losing her love if she …show more content…
She made reference to the hills being lovely and having skin, the resemblance of a pregnant woman’s bare belly. The descriptive comparison given by Weeks was best defined as, “This image of the full pregnant woman . . . nude . . . with her distended belly virtually bursting with life” (76). Unfortunately, the inattentive man replied, “Should we have another drink?” giving the impression his focus lies on the beer (Hemingway 115). Her attempt to lead the conversation in a different direction failed, and abruptly negated back to the operation. Therefore, in the following lines the reader can determine not only the intensity of the conversation, but also hears her sarcastic tone as well. When she asks him if they will be happy together once the operation is complete he replies, “I know we will. You don’t have to be afraid. I’ve known lots of people that have done it” (Hemingway 116). Henceforth, the sarcasm of a frustrated woman desperately trying to convey her point, “So have I,” said the girl. “And afterward they were all so happy” (Hemingway 116). So, the girl, in an effort to avoid the heated conversation focuses her attention on the mountains, and the vast, beautiful scenery far away. Her comment is merely metaphoric as she refers to the countryside in which they could have everything and travel
. . in the story contributes more than any other single quality to the powerful impact” (75). With the subtle references to, “white elephants” the reader is able to ascertain the complexity of this situation between the man and girl. Since, the meaning of the term “white elephant” refers to a possession which is difficult and expensive to maintain. An analysis provided by Louis Weeks stated, “The child is a white elephant that, in his selfishness, he wants to get rid of” (76). The man, in his logical way of thinking, attempts to persuade his love to have an abortion so they can be happy as they once were; however, she is unsure if this is the answer to their problems. Evidently, from her speech as well as her reactions it is apparent she wants to have this child, but at the same time is fearful of losing her love if she …show more content…
She made reference to the hills being lovely and having skin, the resemblance of a pregnant woman’s bare belly. The descriptive comparison given by Weeks was best defined as, “This image of the full pregnant woman . . . nude . . . with her distended belly virtually bursting with life” (76). Unfortunately, the inattentive man replied, “Should we have another drink?” giving the impression his focus lies on the beer (Hemingway 115). Her attempt to lead the conversation in a different direction failed, and abruptly negated back to the operation. Therefore, in the following lines the reader can determine not only the intensity of the conversation, but also hears her sarcastic tone as well. When she asks him if they will be happy together once the operation is complete he replies, “I know we will. You don’t have to be afraid. I’ve known lots of people that have done it” (Hemingway 116). Henceforth, the sarcasm of a frustrated woman desperately trying to convey her point, “So have I,” said the girl. “And afterward they were all so happy” (Hemingway 116). So, the girl, in an effort to avoid the heated conversation focuses her attention on the mountains, and the vast, beautiful scenery far away. Her comment is merely metaphoric as she refers to the countryside in which they could have everything and travel