Name: Gea Mae Planteras Gr. & Sec.

: 10 – SNOT

MORALIST ANALYSIS OF THE STORY HILLS LIKE WHITE

ELEPHANTS

Hills Like White Elephants is a short story by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1927. It
follows an American man and a woman named Jig. They are waiting for a train from Barcelona
to Madrid. The story is all about their conversation about whether to abort or not. The story ends
without a clear resolution, leaving the reader to wonder what Jig will decide and what will
happen to their relationship.

The theme of the story mainly focuses on communication. Having dishonest

conversations brings unhealthy relationships and might bring frustration, misunderstanding, and
resentment. The man tried to manipulate the girl by saying it was simple and easy, pretending to
care about her. The girl also pretends to be all right by agreeing with what the man says even
though she is unhappy and uncertain. No one expressed their true feelings, leading them to
confusion at the end of the conversation. The text illustrates the consequences of moral or
immoral choices and actions by showing how the decision to have or not have an abortion will
affect the lives and relationships of the couple. If the girl chooses abortion, she may suffer from
guilt, regret, and physical complications. The man might also leave her all alone after the
operation. If the girl chooses not to have an abortion, she may face problems, and she will lose
the freedom the man promised her. The text implies that there is no easy or right choice for the
girl and that whatever she decides, she will have to face the consequences of her actions. The
man’s choice to pressure the girl into having an abortion is immoral, as he is selfishly putting his
own desires above the girl’s well-being and feelings. He is also dishonest and manipulative.

The text challenges or reinforces the reader’s moral beliefs and values by presenting a
complex and ambiguous situation that involves a life-changing decision. The text does not offer a
clear or easy answer to the righteous question of abortion but invites the reader to reflect on their
own values and beliefs and how they would react in a similar situation. The text shows how this
choice involves personal, social, cultural, and political factors, such as gender roles, power
dynamics, reproductive rights, and religious beliefs. The text also reflects how different
generations and cultures may have different views and attitudes towards abortion and how this
may affect the communication and relationship between the couple. It challenges the readers to
compare and contrast the historical context of the 20th century to the current 21st century. The
text may thus provoke the reader to question, affirm, or revise their own moral stance on abortion
and to engage in a critical and respectful dialogue with others who may have different opinions.
 The story Hills Like White Elephants affects our morality as it emphasizes the advantages
and disadvantages of abortion. Choosing either of the choices will not bring the exact happiness
we would want as we still continue to face the consequences of our choices. It is up to our
morality and our perspective. Our dilemma makes it harder to decide on which is the best
considering the consequences. However, we end up choosing what feels right for us.