Mobin Jolfa

Professor Ameri
February 20, 2023

Hills Like White Elephant by Ernest Hemingway

The whole story is giving us descriptions of the awkwardness between the young
couple. I interpreted the referred “operation” as abortion and how the girl didn’t want to
go through the procedure and get into motherhood but faced the denial and ignorance
of her partner. I noticed that the American ordered a couple of beers, even though he
knew she was pregnant with a baby, and yet didn’t make up her own mind about
keeping it or not. This shows that he doesn’t care about the so-called Jig. But later on,
he gives her a pseudo-option about doing the procedure. Maybe he is not ready to take
responsibility for a baby and that idea is scaring him. And after that tries to persuade the
girl by mentioning other people doing the process and later on being happy. She sounds
dubious and can’t stand up for herself and really dependent on his love, support, and
approval. She is constantly thinking and showing whether this act will please her partner
or not. Even when they argue she tends to surrender and pretends everything is well on
the surface and doesn’t want others to know they are having problems. And even
though she seems to like to keep the baby, but doesn’t stop herself from consuming
alcohol.
Hemingway tends to show metaphors little by little and gives the reader small hints. As
they are waiting for the train they are sitting and discussing this issue. She is facing the
hills, watching them, and uttering how she doesn’t like them anymore, she is facing a
fertile landscape. But at the same time, he is sitting right in front of her facing a barren. I
see the hills as a surprise that is not inevitably wanted or valued.