Alex Ilusorio

Mrs. Storer
English 3 Block 4
26 November 2019
Socratic Circle Reflection on “Hills Like White Elephants”
In my group for the Socratic seminar, we discussed the short story “Hills Like White
Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway. Our focus within the seminar shifted from the views of the
American and girl throughout their discussion of having an abortion towards whether they have
mutually decided agreeing on the abortion. In my group, we did well by backing up our ideas
with evidence from the text to get our point across to the other students. For instance, almost
everyone in the inner circle mentioned their interpretation of the last line, which stated “I feel
fine. There’s nothing wrong with me. I feel fine” (Hemingway 4). In addition, there was good
rebuttal in our group. For instance, many students were claiming that the girl did not mean what
she said when she talked about having the abortion; however, Matthew supported his point that
maybe the girl was being truthful and honest in what she said to the American.
I mentioned how I believe that the girl changed her mind throughout the text. She brought
up the conversation that about the abortion, to changing her mind because the American said so.
Then, she wanted to American to listen to her case and think less about having an abortion
because it is her child and not the “white elephant” that he claims to say. She does have doubts
throughout the story, but eventually stands by her point and picks her side (train side). I spoke
clearly and backed up my idea with evidence from the text. I did this by stating the page number,
quote, and explaining what I believe it means and how it applies to the central question. I should
volunteer more often, even within the 10-minute time stamp. Also, if someone is stating their
idea, I should make sure that what I disagree/agree with corresponds to what they recently stated.
Symbolism present throughout the short story can be seen through the environment and
the actions the American and girl do, which propels their discussion about the abortion. For
instance, the train in the short story can go two directions, which represents the two options the
girl and the American can take. In addition, the strings can represent the amount of people within
their lives. The two strings showed can represent only two people, indicating the option of
abortion. The hills can symbolize the fact that the girl is pregnant, and the mentioning hills helps
express her idea of having the baby, influencing the American.
In this content of “Hills Like White Elephants”, the big question is whether the man
listened to the girl or whether the girl listened to the man. Everyone who makes decisions takes
time to think through their options and I have had similar experiences like this situation with my
siblings. Whenever we want to go out and eat, we always argue because we want different food.
After a few minutes of arguing and not deciding, one of us appeal to the other. This is obvious
through our emotions and how we act towards each other when we “have” to make them happy.
Sometimes I help my sisters with homework, and I am forced to do so because of my mom.
Usually my sisters say that I do not have to help, but I know that they are upset and mad because
they are struggling to solve the problems.