Hills like White elephants
Jig and an American man are waiting for a train in Spain as they talk, it becomes clear that the young woman is pregnant and that the man wants her to have an abortion. She knows that she is the one who must make the choice between right and wrong about her child the one she is carring. Through their tight, brittle conversation, much is revealed about their personalities. They are deciding on whether or not the woman should have an abortion.

At the same time, much about their relationship remains a mystery.

Their is a possibility that Jig might be having an abortion because she has been drinking during her pregnancy. Jig does not even think twice about drinking, she once stated, "let's drink beer" (614). Even though in this time period a pregnant woman drinking was acceptable. However, it was suggested that the woman drink very little alcohol. In addition, Jig does comsume a lot of alcohol at the train station.

She continues to drink through out the story. Moreover, Jig says, "Everything tastes of licorice. Especially all the things you've waited so long for, like absinthe" (614). This line means that Jig has been waiting to become pregnant and now that she has, she feels she has to kill the unborn baby. Absinthe is a kind of drink; however, it is also considered a poison. Jigs Mind is Already made up. She is going to kill her baby. However, in her heart, she still has not made her decision.

The american man is trying to say that "having a child is better seen as a progressive life change rather than an obstruction." Futhermore he appears to want her to have the baby. In contrast to the other man who wants her to have an abortion. The other man is very selfish and an independent person. He tells her he loves her but the reader does not get that impression from him. He appears to be very cynical and unfeeling towards Jig. His words are a contrast of the impression the reader feels from him in the story.

There also seems to be a sense of foolishness between them. Because they can’t agree on which direction to go concerning the baby. They do not relate to one another very well. Their thought processes are nowhere near close to each other points of view. This is what drives the story toward what appears to be a no win situation for not only the relationship but for the baby. Jig doesn’t speak Spanish but the man does, this indicates that she is extremely dependent on her lover and she must consider his feelings more than if she were not as dependent. This has a big effect on how they interact during their relationship. He is in control and continues to suggest that this decision is an easy one.

The symbolism within the setting makes their choice uncertain. In the end its clear she decides not to have an abortion. The choice in this matter is easy, and the one that is choosing is the victim of sexual relationship. So, if the women choses ether of two options, she is right and we are only by standers applauding or condemning her choice. Because this story deals with issues of female abortion, it continues to have modern cultures.

my assignment
Read Ernest Hemingway Hills Like White Elephants Write a brief essay (350-500 words) answering these questions:

1. What is the important choice these two people are talking about?

2. What is the mans attitude to this choice and how is it revealed?

3. What is the womans attitude to this choice and how is it revealed?

4. What may be the symbolic significance of Hills Like White Elephants?

5. Is the setting of this story symbolic of the lives of these characters?

Hills like White elephants

Jig and an American man is waiting for a train in Spain as they discuss whether she should have this operation, it becomes more clear that the young woman is pregnant and that the man wants her to have an abortion. The man wants her to have the abortion, but she is not sure. At the same time, much about their relationship remains hidden.

Jig might be having the abortion because she is drinking during her pregnancy. Jig does not even think twice about drinking, she is the one that even said, "let's drink beer" (614). Even though in this time period a pregnant woman drinking was acceptable, it was suggested that the woman drink  a very little alcohol. However, Jig does drink a lot of alcohol at the train station. Jig doesn’t speaks Spanish but the man does, this indicates that she is extremely dependent on her lover and she must consider his feelings more than if she were not dependent.

Therefore, American man is trying to say that having a child is better seen as a progressive life change rather than an obstruction.  It seems she want to have the baby but the man wants her to have an abortion.  He is very selfish and independent and he tells her he loves her.  He appears to be very cynical and unfeeling toward Jig. 

However, Jig continues to drink through out the story and even tries. Moreover, Jig says, "everything tastes of licorice. Especially all the things you've waited so long for, like absinthe" (614). This line means that Jig has been waiting to become pregnant and now that she has, she feels she has to kill the unborn baby. Jig’s mind, she has already made up her mind that she is going to kill the baby, however, in her heart; she is still has not made her decision.

The symbolism within the setting makes their choices and she decides to have an abortion.  This has a big effect on how they interact during their relationship. He is in control and continues to suggest that this decision is an easy one.