HILLS LIKE WHITE ELEPHANT by Earnest Hemingway

Writers Background

Exposition.
It start on a hot day, the man orders two beers. The girl says that hills nearby them look
like white elephants and the American says that hes never seen one. They order more
drinks and start having an arguement about the taste of the alcohol. The American
lectures her and asks her to enjoy themselves. The girl says that she is not having fun
and then take back her earlier comment by saying the hills dont actually look like white
elephants to her anymore.
Rising Action.
The couple orders more drinks and the American suddenly says that he wants the girl,
whom he calls Jig, to have an operation. But he never actually mentions what kind of
operation. He seems nervous and tries to take less serious about the operation. He
argues that the operation would be simple.
Climax.
The girl says nothing for a little bit while, but then she asks what will happen after shes
had the operation. The man answers that things will be fine, things will back just like
they were before, and that it will fix their problems. He says he has known a lot of
people who have had the operation and found happiness afterward. The girl unwillingly
agrees with him. The American claims that he will not force her to have the operation
but thinks its the best action to take. She finally agrees to take the operation. The man
tell her how much he cares for the girl and says if she doesnt feel that the operation is
not a right thing to do, she can refuses. The girl then walks to the end of the station and
imagining their life if she had the operation. They starts to bickering again and later the
man made promise to keep quiet.

Falling Action.
Then the bartender comes and brings two more beers. She tells them that the train is
coming in five minutes. The girl smiles at the bartender. The American translates what
she said because the girl doesnt speak Spanish.
Resolution.
After drinking, the American walks to the platform and after that the American walks
back to the bar. He asks the girl if she feels better. She says she feels fine and that
there is nothing wrong with her.