"Summarize the author's key ideas. Identify at least three examples/details that enhanced your understanding of the story. You can also address questions that the analysis provoked, or parts that you did not understand or agree with."
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In this article, the author discusses the potential outcome of the short story, “Hills like White Elephants”. While readers can easily infer that the Jig and her American lover are planning to get an abortions, whether or not they actually get it is still questionable. Evidence points to both directions as symbolism in the story portrays both a life towards either fertility or sterility.
ReplyDeleteExamples of this portrayal is found throughout the article as various forms of analysis is used to enhance and reveal what is presumed to be Hemmingway’s deeper meaning into the story. An example of such is when the various authors discuss the future of Jig and the American’s relationship. The critics show that the American will end his relationship with Jig regardless of having an abortion or not. This is because Jig’s and the American both have different goals; Jig wants a commitment whereas her lover wants to remain a carefree bachelor. This want of commitment is also similar in their opinion of whether or not to keep the baby. Additionally, the intense imagery Hemmingway offers also allows for further understanding of the story. An example of this is the two different sides of the valley. One side is dry and barren while the other is filled with grain and trees. This is a major symbol for the couple’s two options. Death and sterility through the abortion or life and fertility by keeping the baby. The fact that it was located on opposite sides of the valley also show this difference on the two train tracks. Finally, the couple’s attitude has also played an important role in the development of the story. This is highlighted with Jig’s lack of knowledge of her surroundings. It is obvious to the reader that she isn’t from this region as she doesn’t understand the waitress and needs to ask what an Anis del Toro or how it tastes with water. This shows that she is unfamiliar with being a mother and how life will be after she gives birth or aborts the baby. This also shows that she relies on the American because she isn’t mature enough on her own or to make her own decision, shown by the fact that the American most likely told her to get the abortion.
On aspect of the analysis which I didn’t agree with was the irony in the fact that they were heading to Madrid to get the abortion and how that the word Madre, meaning mother in Spanish, sounds like Madrid. In my opinion, this was simply a coincidence or overanalysis and that Hemmingway didn’t choose Madrid for that reason. However, it should be noted that Spain was probably chosen for its heat and its large alcohol varieties. The fact that the couple went inside a bar to avoid the Spanish heat symbolized the fact they use alcohol to, if you will, escape the hot seat.
What do you think Jig and the American did at the end of the story. Do you think that the American's stop at the bar was him contemplating his decision to stay with Jig and have the baby, or that he was thinking of leaving? In terms of them heading to Madrid, I think that it truly was ironic perhaps not due to it sounding like madre, but because it is the capital of a heavily Roman Catholic country. Abortion was most certainly looked down upon there. Also what other imagery do you think was shown other than the 2 sides of the valley? I also agree that being unfamiliar with the country and the language, as well as lacking maturity was one of the reasons why she relies so much on the American. Perhaps this is why she is referred to as a girl, and not a woman. She was a stranger is this unknown land, and she was vulnerable; thus she looked to the American for support. You had some really good thoughts, and I agree with pretty much all of them.
DeleteThis article discusses the controversy of Jin's and the Americans decision to abort the baby or keep it. With both conceiving the knowledge that either decision could permanently alter their lives, the American decides on carrying through with the abortion. The author of this article discusses how some comparisons were made to Hemmingway’s life and his distaste for children. The article suggests that not only was abortion controversial, but that Hemmingway subtly referenced his own life through metaphorical uses.
ReplyDeleteThe article discusses the fate of Jig’s “unborn baby” and the metaphors made between fertility. It references to the story’s setting, at the train station, and claims that the destination is in itself a metaphor. The article claims that the origin of Madrid, the couples destination, is the secret behind the story. Madrid, which has “similarity” to madre, the Spanish translation for mother, suggests that the Jin is considering the possibility of keeping the child. Along with many other symbols of the story, such as a cloud and the grassy fields, the author suggests that each, symbolizing fertility, alluding to a decision made between the couple.
The article continues to talk about the turning point in the couple’s relationship. One person suggests that through abortion, the couple hopes to return to looking “at things and try new drinks”. The text also suggests that the couple is fully aware that through no decision of conclusion, there will be no return to partying and the future will continue without each other. The author claims that Jin knows that a repeatedly states that the couple cannot “have the world”.
The article states that all of the analysis of the metaphors are Hemmingway’s direct connection with his own personal life. The author says that Hemmingway was a man who did not particularly enjoy the idea of having his own kids. When his wife became pregnant, Hemmingway accused Hadley of “doing it on purpose”. Hemmingway then continued to track her menstrual cycles. Many say that Hemmingway wrote about personal experiences and this story was no exception. Hemmingway’s experiences and detest for kids of his own, explain the usage of various metaphors alluding to fertility and abortion.
I agree with all of this, as I got the same message from reading both the story as well as the article. Overall I think that Jig chose to keep her child, however after reading about Hemingway's opinion on children I am not sure if that is what he meant for him readers to take away from the short story. I also do not believe that the relationship between Jig and the American lasts as he clearly does not feel a want for children, nor does he care as much as he should for Jig. What is your opinion on the outcome of the story that seems to be implied, but not clearly pointed out through the story?
DeleteI like the idea of how the article suggests that Hemmingway’s life was referenced in the story. I find it intriguing that Hemmingway would be a person who thinks of not having children. The way he was able to put himself in Jig’s shoes and envision the life that was ahead by looking at the hills, trees, and river, I would not have come to think that he was a man who did not want children based on reading this story. Would you have come to think that Hemmingway was not a man who favored having children? It also makes sense why abortion is controversial. This is the matter of life not only for the mother, but also for the child that could be born. I also find it interesting that Hemmingway would relate the city of Madrid in favor of Jig because of it’s similarity to the word “madre.” This stood out to me because it portrayed to me that Hemmingway was a very knowledgeable man with an idea of the cultures and languages around him. It is almost expected that the couple’s relationship would change. When the idea of an event as big as pregnancy occurs, it is anticipated that lives would be changed and going back to that life of risks and entertainment would not be easy to go back to. What did you think of the story? Do you think that she gave in to the idea of abortion or that they went on to have the child?
DeleteThis article shows how there is still much debate over whether or not Jig decided to carry out the abortion. There are many interpretations over what happened that are based both directly on text and on external ideas implied from the text. One interpretation explains that the “shadow of the cloud” that Jig sees foreshadows the end result of death for her unborn child. An alternative view argues that the man shifting the bags to the other end of the station represents the opposite decision in which the pregnancy is allowed to continue. Also, at the end of the story, Jig says that she “feel[s] fine” and that “nothing is wrong with [her].” Another theory states that the outcome is left up to the reader and two possibilities exist due to the presence of trains travelling in opposite directions.
ReplyDeleteAlthough there is much debate over whether or not Jig carried out the abortion, a clear outcome in the story is that the relationship between the American and Jig is bound to fail. According to some literary critics, Jig knows that the “intrusion” of a child would cause the American to leave. This is partially revealed as the man says “I don’t want anybody but you. I don’t want anyone else.” At first it seems to mean that he does not want to be with any other woman, but it can also be interpreted to mean that he does not want another person (i.e. the child) in his life. Also, if Jig decides to go through with the abortion, both she and the American will share guilt in ending the life of their would-be child. This grief would surely end the possibility of any long-term relationship. Therefore, while Jig is faced with a decision of whether or not to have an abortion, the inevitable outcome for either of the choices will ultimately be a detrimental end to any relationship.
What do you personally think happened in the end? I personally believe that she did not carry out the abortion because when she said, "I'm fine" in a very sarcastic tone, it sounded to me like she was saying that she will do what she wants because it is her child. I think that you are correct by saying that she would not carry out the abortion is Spain, but especially because in the time period that this is based off of, Spain was almost 100% catholic. In the catholic church, abortion is against the church and almost all followers of Catholicism abide by that rule. So in other words it would be a liability to have an abortion in Spain in the 1920s. I think you have some good thoughts, but the one I agree with most is that the grief of having an abortion would put a strain on their relationship. However, I personally believe that the abortion would not necessarily end the relationship, but it would create a tension that would make the relationship between the two awkward and less desirable.
DeleteIn this article, the author discusses the fate of the two main characters and argues that the short story, "Hills Like White Elephants", is an allegory inspired by Hemingway's own life. Even though it is clear that American and Jig are on their way to get an abortion, the outcome of their conflict of whether or not to keep the baby is vague. The author of the article presents many interesting interpretations. Some make the case that the "the shadow of a cloud [that] moved across the field of grain" indicates the death of her unborn baby since the darkness and sorrow is conquering the fields of fertility. Others say that this cloud is indicative of Jig keeping the baby because the cloud brings in rain that rejuvenates the earth, imagery that conjures up pictures of life, fulfillment, and meaning. This is one reason why I love Hemingway’s concise writing style. One simple sentence can have such different interpretations.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to discussing the potential outcomes of the story, the author digs deeper, past the literal abortion, to the metaphorical abortion Hemingway employs in his story. The relationship between American and Jig is the symbolic womb. Throughout this story, it becomes clear that this couple suffers from many issues: lack of mutual understanding, deep love, and communication. Both these characters want different things from life too; American wants to party and be carefree while Jig wants to keep the baby and live a more meaningful life. Most people can agree that this couple will not survive for much longer. So when American says “It’s just to let the air in”, Hemingway is saying that this couple will inevitably suffer from an abortion, the termination of their relationship.
Finally, the author connects the angst and despair of the two main characters to Hemingway’s personal life; this further solidifies the author’s argument that this story is about a metaphorical abortion. Near the time Hemingway wrote this story, he was suffering from many failed relationships and separation. Many of his friendships had been terminated. His first marriage had failed. He was forced to stay separated from his lover. The feelings Hemingway felt, even his own ambivalence towards fatherhood, is portrayed through the characters. By studying Hemingway’s life, the link between abortion and separation becomes more plausible.
In conclusion, I had never thought of the story as a metaphor. As I read it again with this new information in my mind, this story becomes much more meaningful and memorable.
This analysis of the article describes “Hills Like White Elephants” as a story which in itself is a metaphor. The analysis first describes the contrast between life and death, abortion and keeping the baby. This is done through the use of the imagery based on the cloud across the field. Here cloud could represent both sides as it could be darkness conquering fertility or rains giving life. The analysis of the piece digs deeper to the true meaning of the short story when it describes the entire relationship of Jig and the American as something which must be ended, like an abortion. This symbolism comes from how Jig and the American have different wants in their relationship. Jig wants commitment while the American wants to be care free. Finally this analysis digs further by relating the story to its background and origins. It goes into the life of Hemingway and discusses how his life was based on many failed relationships and the ending of emotional ties. The analysis does a well job on furthering this point to portray why the author would write this story.
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ReplyDeleteThis article focused on the debate of whether or not Jig received an abortion. This article focuses on many people's viewpoints on the outcome of this story, and the only consistent thing is that most analysts agree that either way, Jig and the American did not continue their relationship for much longer. "Hills Like White Elephants" centers on this abortion, which Hemingway actually uses as a two sided metaphor, one being for Jig and the American's love affair, and the other side for Hemingway's own life. This second one is largely disputed however.
ReplyDeleteOne writer remarked that the American is himself a white elephant in that he is burdening Jig with his choice to tell her to abort her child. This is something I had not considered, because on the surface it seems like the burden in the story is this baby and their choice of whether or not to keep it. Upon further examination however, it is clear that the American's stubbornness and unwillingness to listen to her perspective is Jig's real burden. Another key point is that everything in this story can be interpreted as two opposite meanings. For example, when they move to the other side of the platform that could mean they are choosing to keep this baby, but on the other hand it could be the side that represents sterility. This aspect of the story makes it difficult to understand, but the fact that the interpretation of the story is left to the reader is something that made the story more enjoyable. This understanding that the story can go either way facilitates a closer reading of the story to find the answer that makes the most sense to you the reader. This metaphor of the abortion is connected to their relationship. The relationship is the 'figurative womb' and the air being let into it symbolizes the dissolving of their relationship. I personally had not thought of it this way when I read the story for the first time, and upon reflection this helps with the understanding of the meaning of the story. I had been thinking about the abortion literally, but by investigating this avenue, you can discover things about the story that you would not have otherwise.
After reading the story and this article, I want to believe that Jig kept the baby. The evidence in the story leans to show that at the end when she smiles before they board the train there is a shift in mood which would indicate a happier ending. Either way, i agree that their relationship is doomed, but Hemingway uses such sparse language to where the same person could read this story three times, and have three different thoughts on how it is supposed to end.
It's interesting that it could represent Hemingway himself. Perhaps the entire dialogue is actually a conversation he had with his "Jig." I agree with your conclusion that their relationship is doomed any way you look at it. They want different things in life and regardless of her decision the relationship would never work because they would always be butting heads on every decision involving morality. Of course the plain and simple language Hemingway uses is very interesting because it's open for interpretation which makes it such a big iceberg because you really don't know how much is underneath the surface.
DeleteWhen first reading the short story "Hills Like White Elephants" by Hemingway it takes close analysis to understand what the story is implying. Overall the piece is one that is full of symbolism. Hemingway's writing style is vague, however it has all the information that a reader needs. The more obvious problem in the story is that of abortion, however when looked at deeper it is clear to see that there are ore underlying issues between Jig and the American that abortion brings up.
ReplyDeleteThe article delves into whether or not Jig went through with the abortion, as well as parallels it to Hemingway himself. Hemingway leaves this up to the reader to decide, however he includes hints through his writing that can have many possible different outcomes. Timothy O'Brien views the journey the couple is going on as symbolic in and of itself. He believes that the outcome is "bleak and infertile." As well as a sense of irony that they are traveling to Madrid, a city that translates to the word mother. By inferring this, O'Brien is also inferring that they went through with the abortion. Gilligan on the other hand sees the shifting of the bags from one side of the station to the other as the couple changing their mind on abortion and choosing to have the baby. With so many symbols throughout the short story, there is not a clear idea of what truly happens with regards to the abortion.
However what is more clear to both readers who believe the had the abortion, and with those who believe they reconsidered is that the relationship between Jig and the American is not one that is likely to last long. The decision by the American to have an abortion brought up many underlying issues in the couple's relationship. The two clearly have a difference of opinion. The American says he love her, however does not show it through his actions, while also not wanting the responsibility or kids. Jig on the other hand invests her dreams into her unborn child, yet does not know how to voice this opinion to her significant other. The two lack the proper foundation of a successful relationship built on compromise, understanding, and even true, selfless love.
While it is still unclear to me what actually happened in the end, I think that Jig chose not to go through with the abortion. Her love for her unborn child, and her feelings towards the abortion is clear in her sarcastic tone towards the American. In addition, it is her choice to go through with it or not, and I believe she chose her child's life.
I agree with the fact that Hemingway has used symbolism throughout the story and interpreted symbolism in a vague manner. Hemingway’s ambiguity created for a simple yet detailed story. He makes it obvious that the story is about abortion and a major decision while refusing to explicitly say the words. It is fascinating how Hemingway has left many open ends in the story, leaving room for interpretation from the reader. Hemingway utilized many literary devices such as metaphors, symbolism, and a subtle diction yet, I disagree with the use of irony. Also, what makes it clear to the readers that the couple was discussing an abortion? I found that there were subtle hints to a major decision, along with symbolism towards fertility but the actual instance lacked evidence.
DeleteIn this article, Wyche discusses the result of the short story Hills Like White Elephants. The fact that Jig and the American are arguing about whether or not they should go through with the abortion is obvious when the story is read a second time but it is still unknown if the abortion actually occurs. The American is quite insistent that Jig should have the abortion so that the both of them can go on with their lives as they had before, looking at things and trying different drinks. Jig’s main goal is to convince the American that it isn’t necessary for them to terminate the pregnancy for them to be happy again, Jig can see a future with the man and her unborn child but the man sees the baby as a ‘white elephant’, a burden that he does not need.
ReplyDeleteThe author of this article tends to favor the opinion that Jig is seeking some form of independence, initially from a life of normalcy by gallivanting about Europe with the American, and then in this particular dialogue, realizing that she desires independence from the man as well, especially since he appears to be very toxic. Jig views him as a burden by the end of the story as he is holding her back from the life that she wants with a child. Much of this article is empowering Jig and portraying her as smart and savvy young woman who knows how to work around a difficult situation. Wyche states that Jig is an expert conversationalist and her ability could have lead to the American caving and not making her get the abortion. When Jig says to the man that she doesn’t care about herself, her statement immediately cause him to back off and tell her that he doesn’t want her do to it if she doesn’t want to, even though throughout the earlier portion of the story he is insistent to the point of forcing her to go thought with the abortion just so he can have his own freedom back. The American’s anonymity characterizes him as a stereotypical man in desperate need to preserve his youth and irresponsibleness for as long as possible. He isn’t given a name because the character of the American is not unique whatsoever; he is a representation of the male majority in the 1920’s, always wanting to move on to the next fascination without giving a thought to what they have abandoned.
There was very little about this article that I disagreed with, much of it I found very insightful. But, I strongly disagree that Jig’s name has a sexual connotation attached to it. Wyche makes the assertion that her name carries sexual implications but then fails to support the assertion with any textual evidence. I attempted to figure out for myself how exactly the author arrived at this particular conclusion and I was unable to determine where this idea had come from.