Please respond to the following prompt: What is the biggest conflict in the story? Think about all of the different conflicts--the conflict between the couple, the inner conflicts in each person, etc. Use evidence from the story in your post.
Requirements:
1. Respond to the prompt.
2. Respond to someone else's response.
I believe that the biggest conflict in Hemingway's story here, is the conflict that each person has internally with themselves (particularly for the girl), as opposed to the external conflict they have with each other. Since we have already discussed that the subject of this story is of a couple wondering whether or not they should get an abortion, we know the basis of the conflict(s).
ReplyDeleteAs we can see on page 477, the man and the woman clearly have different perspectives. The man wants their lives to be exactly the way they were before; "We'll be fine afterward. Just like we were before" (Hemingway 476). Whereas the girl, as I inferred, may not totally agree with the idea of removing the life that they have created; she may be pro-life. The man tries to comfort the girl with the way he sees the matter, but it won't change the girl's outlook. The girl is hesitant because she knows that this is permanent, that she will never have the baby back after the operation; "Once they take it away, you never get it back" (Hemingway 477). But she is going through with the idea of abortion because she wants to make her partner happy, as suggested in the text when she asks if he will still love her afterwards. The man believes that "It's the only thing that's made us unhappy" (Hemingway 476), meaning that the unwanted baby was what caused their unhappiness, and that everything will be fine after the operation. However, this conflict is external.
The internal conflict (for the girl) is that she is stuck at a crossroad (which is what the train station they are at represents; one track going one way, and the other track going the other way. And all around her are symbols of the choice she has to make. On page 477, it is said that on one side of the station, the land was barren and infertile which represents the choice of having the abortion. On the other side, along the banks of the river, the land is lush and has life, representing the choice of keeping her baby. She says she would like to follow through with an abortion to her partner, but she still has the power to choose, especially when her partner says, "I don't want you to do anything that you don't want to do" (Hemingway 477). The baby is inside her body, and she has the power to do what she wants with it. This is quite a large conflict, because this ability to choose has now been restricted to limited amount of time. As of page 478, the train has five minutes left to arrive. At these final minutes, they both realize that there is no turning back. Whatever choice they choose is what they have to live with, whatever the consequences may be.
- Nathan Hodge
Wow...I don't know what to write about anymore because you took the words right out of my mouth. Although, the idea with the choices; fertile=baby & infertile=no baby, I agree with that idea, but some others might think that fertile=no baby because just like you said that the man believes that "It's the only thing that's made us unhappy" (Hemingway 476). If this is true, if they go to the fertile side, it'll make them happy because to me, happy=fertile, and fertile=no baby...I don't know if this makes sense...but I like your post <(^_^<)
DeleteWow is right Aaron. After reading this post, i really had nothing to say also. I had to read the entire story again in order to post something that wouldn't seem like copying this.
DeleteThe biggest conflict in the book is deciding to get an abortion or not. As they discuss how that they will have everything or have nothing depending on how their choice. One side is arguing that there is all kinds of benefit while the other is saying that it will destroy their lives. The setting of the railroad station really makes it more like a very big decision because of the possible route they can take. The hills are like a symbol of the other side. Which can be both good and bad. So in conclusion base on the route they take on the train, it can lead them to the happy side of the mountain or the side of eternal punishment.
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree with most of the points you made, I think that your idea that the biggest conflict was the decision to, or not to get an abortion was a bit off. It is true that this idea is vital to the plot, but the most important conflict is Jig's wish to keep the child, hoping that they can form a family, while her lover is encouraging her to get an abortion. It is not quite as simple as yes or no, but rather the effect it will have on her relationship, as well as her life. However, your description of the symbolism in the setting is spot on, and I agree with the ideas of the importance of the hills and the railway.
DeleteI think the biggest conflict in this story is the relationship can hold back one's choice about something (in this case, an abortion). In this man's statement, "It's the only thing that's made us unhappy" (Hemingway 476). He's saying that if they do the abortion, "We'll be fine afterward. Just like we were before" (Hemingway 476). Although, he counteracts his statement because of the relationship, "I don't want you to do anything that you don't want to do" (Hemingway 477). Because of this, the girl is unable to make her own decision because of the man's opinion, "Then I'll do it. Because I don't care about me" (Hemingway 477). But in the end, she realizes that this relationship will limit both of their individual choices, and she accepts that, which is why she states, "There nothing wrong with me. I feel fine" (Hemingway 478).
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the story, much of what you said made much more sense. I also found that the man wanted to go through with the abortion. Although I think the girl had made a decision, and at the same time hadn't. For example, on page 477 she mentions "we can have everything"(Hemingway 477.) and "its ours."(Hemingway 477.) This makes it certain in my opinion, that she does not want the abortion as well as the end, when she states "theres nothing wrong with me. I feel fine."(Hemingway 477.)
DeleteThe man and the woman are at a
ReplyDeletecrossroads, they must choose to have the child, or not to have the child. The woman (Jig) however, has the largest choice, and the final vote. Jig notes at the beginning of the story that the hills look like white elephants, and later she mentions, "But if I do it, then things will be nice again if I say things are like white elephants?" (Hemingway 477). She sees this piece of hope in ridding herself of the baby. He does not wish to keep the infant, and she knows. His encouragement of the abortion is blatantly obvious to us, the audience, and he even says it outright, "I don't want to... I don't care anything about it" (Hemingway 478). Jig may feel that if she goes through with the abortion, somehow everything can go back to normal, and he will love her again. Unfortunately, the decision is much more difficult for her because she has this living, breathing being inside of her. It is not a simple yes or no answer for her. She has feelings for the baby, and as much as she tries not
to, she loves the child. Jig has a hesitation in either choice. The man has less say in it and despite his intentions, she will not make the decision she wishes him to make. He tries to encourage her into the choice that he believes will benefit them the most saying, "It's really an awfully simple operation" (Hemingway 476). She is uncomfortable about the choice of an abortion but wills herself to make the decision that her lover wants because she hopes that "... if I do it you'll be happy and things will be like they were and you'll love me?" (Hemingway 477). At the denouement of the story, Jig makes her selection and resolves to keep the child. This we know because at their crossroads, the man announces, "I'd better take these bags over to the other side of the station" (Hemingway 478). He takes them from the barren, yellow side of the station, to the green, luscious side. Jig is cheerful at the end. She will keep the child, we know it is so, for when she is asked how she feels, she responds, "I feel fine...there is nothing wrong with me. I feel fine" (Hemingway 478).
I completely agree with your response! Because of the man's obvious opinions to go through with the abortion, it makes it much more difficult for Jig to make a final decision. I also really enjoyed the way you explained the reasons why Jig wanted to keep the baby, nice observations and anaysis!
DeleteI found that the main conflict in the story, was the resolution of whether or not the couple would agree or disagree in terms of the abortion. Before reading and analyzing the story, I found that the main conflict of the story was the decision of whether or not the couple would travel together or separately. Although, that does correlate to the story greatly, I still find that they are coming to the resolution of traveling together or separately rather then coming to the agreement of an abortion much more. My reasoning towards this, is the setting occurs at a train station describing the two unique paths which can be taken. In conclusion it also correlates to Robert Frost well known poem, "The Road Not Taken" which justified my analyzation in my opinion. -Joseluis Vidal
ReplyDeleteGood points Jose. We could run off this
DeleteI think that main conflict in the story, is deciding whether they want to keep this child. The woman is concerned about how their realtionship would be after they go through with it. Their inside a train station which is surrounded by two parts, One barren side and one fruitful side. Depedning on what they choose, thats the train they woud take. They are having issues deciding, but despite that the man brings their things towards the fruitful side and sort of chooses for them.
ReplyDeleteGoing against the man's wishes, they decide to keep the baby. This makes me wonder what will become of this decision. Prior to the decision, the man believed that the abortion was the best option, yet he comes to terms with what to him is illogical. Perhaps, he took the time in the station to straighten himself out and accept what consequently comes along with having a child, or perhaps he shan't even bear the idea of losing love from the woman he loves so dearly.
DeleteDespite the external conflict being whether or not an abortion is the proper action for the couple to take, I believe that the internal conflict is far more troubling because it is the underlying problem causing their discontent.
ReplyDeleteYes, the external conflict is the bigger picture, I will admit. But Jig’s indecision and emotions, and the American’s passive-aggressive opinion and desire, fuels their problem. If this was not the case, then the story would not revolve around them going back and forth, and the external conflict would cease to exist because it would have a clear answer—either yes or no.
When the American tries persuading Jig to go through with the operation, “The girl looked at the ground . . . and did not say anything” (Hemingway 476), clearly showing her confusion and uncertainty because she has no idea how to properly respond and handle this situation. Additionally, as her partner continues to badger her, she finally states, “And if I do it you’ll be happy and things will be like they were and you’ll love me? . . . I’ll do it. Because I don’t care about me” (Hemingway 477). She is deeply troubled by the problem, but apparently, she cares more about her lover and his approval than herself, so the only reason why she even considers getting rid of her child is for him and their relationship. Jig is trying to push her feelings aside, but with her sarcastic remarks and just knowing that she may never hold her child, she clearly cannot come to an honest answer, especially since there are two sides—two railroads—to this situation, each with their own pros and cons.
In other words: no internal conflict, no external conflict. (To me, the external conflict is a simple “yes” or “no” but the internal conflict prevents it from being a simple “yes” or “no,” if that makes any sense.)
-Christine Abella
I think you covered the topic pretty well here. Especially where you identify the differences between the internal and external conflicts, since they are opposite ends of the spectrum. Also another important thing you talked about was how she could not come to an honest answer. She has two sides to choose. Two pathways to go down. But each has their own set of consequences, and she has not yet had enough time to consider the impact that each will have on the couple later in life. Well done. ^_^
DeleteI believe the biggest conflict in "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway is the woman's insincere feelings towards the abortion. Her partner constantly reminds her, "I think it's the best thing to do. But I don't want you to do it if you don't really want to" (Hemingway477). This in my opinion implies that the partner does not want to raise a child yet he tells her that it would be fine if she didn't go through with the "simple operation". "Jig" is then struck between two very tough decisions so she asks her partner, "And if I do it you'll be happy and things will be like they were and you'll love me?" (Hemingway477). By this question, I believe that Jigs wants to feel secure with the certainty of her partners love and affection even if it meant going through with the abortion. Even though Jigs may have wanted to keep the baby, she would have rather gone through the abortion if it meant that her partner would continue to love her, which in my opinion is what she thinks is more important. Because of their different opinions, Jigs decision is much more difficult to make whether it be taking the fertile or infertile side which is why I believe this is the biggest conflict in the story.
ReplyDelete-Kunsang Sharzur
I particularly agree with when you said how Jig would go through with the abortion if it means her partner will continue to love her. She thinks his love is the most important thing in her world. Overall, you made really good points!
DeleteEven before the true conflict was revealed to the class it was clear that the conflict had the power to affect the lives of the couple forever. Personally ,at first, I believed that the conflict had to do with their relationship, be it consummation or separation. I believed it had to do with this due to the emphasis on love throughout the entire argument. It was also clear that they were at an impasse due to the passive aggressive tone of the man and the frustration of the woman. When it was revealed that the conflict was abortion it all fell into place. The dialogue is written in such a way that if only taken at face value the true argument won't be obvious. One must take into account the symbolism of the text and how it applies to the argument. With all these taken into account it is clear that the argument is about a couple contemplating on an abortion.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment and recognize the importance for readers to use as much evidence and meaning in their interpretation of the story in order for it to make sense. Like you, I read the story from its external essence and thought the story was about a couple who were having an argument about love, but when I heard of it being of an abortion, I was really shocked but could finally understand the significance of the confusing sentences.
DeleteI also believed the couple was arguing about a conflict in their relationship at first. When it was pointed out that they were arguing over to terminate Jig's pregnancy or not, it pointed out that their disagreement was much deeper than their relationship.
DeleteIn "Hills Like White Elephants", the biggest conflict is the lack of focused discussion between the two characters. This comes out when they are talking about whether or not to have an abortion, a decision that will have a huge impact on their lives. Instead of talking about that impact, (if they are ready for a child, if Jig could bear to give up the child) they have a very limited conversation. Their conversation is mostly composed of the American telling her to just have it done, and Jig being unsure. The decision is hers, but her partner doesn't make an effort to give her more information about it. The American just seems to irritate Jig, shown when she says, "would you please please please please please please please stop talking" (Hemingway 478). Her frustration reveals that their relationship isn't supportive or communicative in the right way. If they stay together, with or without a baby, they will have trouble making future decisions because they cannot clearly discuss their problems in an empathetic way.
ReplyDeleteI see how you describe the after math of the relationship and how this decision can make a big difference in their lives. I kinda agree with how you said that the decision can hurt them either way
DeleteDefinitely, a large part of their problem must come from the strength of their relationship. Their commitment to one another undoubtedly determines the outcome of the abortion, however at the end the man moves their bags to the other side of the station representing their decision to keep the baby showing that they approve of each other enough to have a baby together? Perhaps this conversation was different because it was so stressful, and even so I think they managed to talk to each other very civilly if a late distractedly.
DeleteIn this story, the main conflict is between Jig and a man who are deciding whether or not she should have an abortion. The man seems to think that she should get an abortion, based on when he says that "it's really an awfully simple operation" and "we'll be fine afterwards" (Hemingway 476). The girl has thoughts of her own that contradicts with what he thinks because she would question his speculations. In addition, both of them are dealing with inner conflicts of their own. They both feel misunderstood and pressured into giving an answer to the other person, because they know that whatever their decision is, it's going to stay with them for the rest of their lives. This makes them both easily agitated when the other one speaks, on account of what they're going through in their minds, like when Jig says "would you please please please please please please please stop talking" (Hemingway 478). This shows how talking about this topic, makes her feel like she needs to make a decision right away, even though she's unsure about her final choice and how it will affect them in the future.
ReplyDeleteI really liked what you had to say about the American and Jig having their own conflicts to deal with. They are both going to have a different point of view of this issue, which speaks to how difficult it is to make a decision like this. That's what I liked about your paragraph, that it acknowledges the pressure and confusing that go along the decision of whether to have an abortion. The characters and their situation can be seen in a more complex way if we look at the pressure, time crunch, and their attitudes toward each other while we read.
DeleteI really like your last two sentences and the quote you used. It exhibits how uncomfortable the conversation makes Jig however her partner still brings it up. Though they are under no obligation to converse about the subject they are momentarily stressing about something they have time to contemplate over; from what it seems they don’t need an immediate answer on the matter.
DeleteExcellent post though~
Reading Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" got me to recognize the biggest conflict of this short story is of a hidden uncertainty between the male protagonist and the woman protagonist. By using the word "hidden", I'm referring to the use of words and actions as they both talk about their true feelings on the birth or death of a new child. The women, Jig, is stressed on the idea of bearing her child and listens to the American about the reasons why it is "an awfully simple operation" and that "It's the only thing that's made us unhappy" (Hemingway 476), making it as if he wants her to abort the child. She prefers to accept what her lover has to say without taking consideration of her own thoughts that are only filled with questions of " If I do it you'll be happy and things will be like they were and you'll love me?"(Hemingway 477). It seems as if Jig is doubtful with her decision and remarks going through with the abortion just to have her lover say that she doesn't have to do if she is concerned. In all, the couple is stressed with choosing between two sides of fertility and infertility and towards the end, the lover speaks his true feelings saying,"But I don't want you to; I don't care anything about it"(Hemingway 478), which leaves the women knowing that her lover does not want the baby. In the end, the women seems to have made the right decision with her comment " I feel fine, there's nothing wrong with me"(Hemingway 478).
ReplyDeleteHiya, Lhamo ^-^
DeleteI definitely agree with your emphasis of there being a "hidden" meaning. Since the story, at first, seems pretty vague, especially since more than of it is dialogue, locating the conflicts and understanding the characters can prove a challenge. One must carefully look at their actions and conversation.
I also like how you categorized Jig's character. Poor, poor girl/couple.
From what I understand, the biggest, more prevalent conflict in the story is Jig’s external struggle. More precisely, the consequences of keeping or discarding the baby and how that will influence her relationship with her partner.
ReplyDeleteI’ve come to this conclusion because Jig has appeared to have come to terms with the fact that she wants to keep the child (despite her quick decision being the result of a forced conversation.
Granting, from Jig’s perspective going about this decision will /possibly/ cause some friction because her partner & herself have conflicting ideas.
Por ejemplo, Jig ~ONLY~ seems to be against the idea of keeping the baby when her partner tries to sway her that “it’s the only thing that bothers us. It’s the only thing that makes us unhappy” (Hemingway) which gives a negative connotation to Jig’s choice on the decision about what she recognizes as the right option.
-Alia Dweik
!!!i agree with you!! i am curious as to why she puts her relationship with her partner in front what she actually wants. it made me so frustrated and sad once i understood the story lol. i guess it has to do with hemingway's writing style (like the way ms. delman described it as "just the facts"). for once i actually wish there was more of a backstory and description to a plot instead of just the main points.
DeleteThe main conflict seems to be their indecisiveness. They both know what they want for themselves; however, there's a stalemate as they also know what the other wants. They want their decision to be made without compromising the feelings of the other, saying things such as: "I think it's the best thing to do. But I don't want you to do it if you don't really want to" (Hemingway 477), and "I don't want you to do it if you feel that way" (Hemingway 477), a reasonable yet wishful desire. Uncovering the identity of the conflict (abortion) proves that compromise is futile, it is either done or not. This predicament can be classified as a catch 22 in perspective, for no matter the decision, someone will be at a loss.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good way to approach things, but would you say that towards the end, both parties were agreeing to the outcome that was decided, since the man only wanted what was best for the girl, and the girl was the one who overcame her indecisiveness. I don't really think that one party will be at a loss because ultimately, it is the girl's decision whether or not to have the operation, and the man just has to go with her decision and support her.
DeleteVery good point Kieran. It is interesting to see how both are not willing to budge yet they have full knowledge of how the other person feels. You also stated that with abortion, there is no compromise. which made me realize that Hemingway wrote this conversation to be a lot more calm and passive than it should have been. Proving that both were not fully participating in what should have been a heavy debate over a touchy subject.
DeleteP.S. Why is the woman drinking if she has a baby?
ReplyDeleteI think this plays into the ultimate theme of the story. It gives a ready an idea of how she feels towards the baby. As if a little part of her knows either that she doesn't want the baby or that her husband doesn't. There was defiantly a bigger purpose than just to have her drinking.
DeleteThe biggest conflict in “Hills like White Elephants” is the lack of communication between the two protagonists. Both are using passive aggressive tactics to convince the other into doing what they feel is best. It is often said that there is a difference between talking and communicating. Talking is simply the projection of your voice creating sound waves for someone to hear whereas communicating is the act two or more people participating in a conversation. They hear and send information to one another in an interactive discussion. However, the man and girl simply talk. They clearly have no interest in what the other person thinks and are mostly focused on getting what they want. The man wants the girl to go through with the operation but is not forcing it. He carefully coaxes her with the option of not having to do it, knowing that forcing it will only push her away. After he was asked for his thoughts, the man explains, "’I think it's the best thing to do. But I don't want you to do it if you don't really want to.’" (Hemmingway 477). However, this begs the question of what would happen if she does say no. The girl does not want to have the abortion. However, she equally wants to make the man happy with her. She seems to feed off the satisfaction of the man, asking, “’And if I do it you'll be happy and things will be like they were and you'll love me?’” (Hemmingway 477) . Seeking approval where she can find it. This puts her at a crossroads. Forcing her to choose which is more important: her own morals or the satisfaction from her love. Both characters have ulterior motives behind their words. The man is trying the “nice guy” method and the girl is hoping that her lack of interest in the conversation is enough to make him realize that she has mixed feelings about the subject. Neither can simply come out, state their distress, and have a normal discussion. With this lack of communication, these words hold no weight to the other person and are simply things they hear, not things they listen to. If this problem continues, it will inevitably lead to them making a major mistake and create a large amount of resentment that could have prevented if they simply had a discussion.
ReplyDeleteI really like the main point you made of how the conflict is lack of communication, I wouldn't of ever thought of that. Also, I agree with the statement that you made about how she feeds off the satisfaction of the man. That was something I noticed that repetitively occurred within the story showing that she needs approval from him, which is another thing I agree with that you mentioned in your response.
DeleteAlthough choosing to keep a baby or have an abortion is a very difficult decision, I believe the true conflict of "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway is the relationship of Jig and the American. They care about their relationship and want it to return back to "normal" but also can not decide whether to terminate her pregnancy or not. Jig shows this when she asks, "'And if I do it you'll be happy and things will be like they were and you'll love me?'" (Hemingway 477). They realize that their relationship needs attention and they need to sacrifice their freedom in order to become happy. In the end, the American ultimately decides to move their bags in the direction of the lush, fruitful valley from the barren hills where they originally were placed. Jig explains, "'I feel fine, theres nothing wrong with me. I feel fine'" (Hemingway 478) showing that she is content with their decision.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I believe the biggest conflict in Ernest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" is the inner conflict of the main female character. In other words, no matter what the American thinks, in the end it's ultimately woman's decision. There is conflict between the man and the woman, but that is only caused by the inner conflict between each of the characters. There is an obvious decision to be made within the story, each character determining their opinion on the matter of whether to keep or abort the child. The woman in the story repetitively seems unsure of herself and relying on an answer from the American, creating an inner conflict as she says "And you think then we'll be alright and be happy" (Hemingway 476) and "...But if I do it, then it will be nice again..." (Hemingway 477). This shows that the woman really doesn't know what to do, so she constantly is asking the American if he is sure of his opinion because she doesn't necessarily have one of her own. And back to the point of conflict, it's not that the man and woman can't come to to a unanimous consensus, it's that the woman can't come to a unanimous consensus with herself. Until the very end that is.
ReplyDeleteYES. I totally agree haha especially with the fact that in the end it's the woman's choice whether or not she will get an abortion. I also agree that the conflict between the man and woman ultimately come from their internal conflicts.
DeleteThe internal conflict that both the woman and the man have is the main conflict in this story. The woman shows several signs of internal conflict in the different things she says to the man. When she says, "And if I do it you'll be happy and things will be like they were and you'll love me?" it shows how she is worried about her relationship with the man whether or not she gets an abortion (Hemingway 477). She is also frustrated with the fact that she not only has to make this decision for herself, but also for the fetus. When she says, "would you please please please please please please please stop talking," it shows her frustration and how she has a big choice to make that will affect her future, which is shown in the environment around her. The man is also having a conflict within himself, and this shows when he says,"I think it's the best thing to do. But I don't want you to do it if you don't really want to" (Hemingway477). This gives us hints on how he truly feels about the situation hes in, showing that he believes it will be best for both of them if she got the abortion. Overall, the main conflict that is constantly showing in the story is the internal conflict that the man and woman are experiencing.
ReplyDeleteGreat points! I really liked how you included how the man has an internal conflict because it really added a different perspective into my thoughts. I never thought about it that way
DeleteI completely agree with what you say the conflict is. I feel that she should have just outright said that she wanted to conceive the baby once he said if you want then I'm willing because she felt so strongly about it. In addition, he said he loved her either way and that he'll support her. The man should own up to his words.
Delete-Camille Valerio
The biggest conflict in this story would have to be the indecisiveness of the girl. On the outside, it may appear that the two are having a long and thorough talk about what to do, but inside, each side has their own opinion about what the outcome should be. The man only wants what is best for his girl, and is willing to support her no matter her decision. The girl, however, is ambivalent in her deciding because she has doubts that if she has the operation, that whether or not their relationship would stay the same. It was not until the man reassured her by saying, "You've got to realize that I don't want you to do it if you don't want to. I'm perfectly willing to go through with it if it means anything to you." (Hemingway, 477) that she was able to come to a decision. This internal conflict is what progressed the story because it left the reader to wonder what is going on, and what sort of symbolism is being used to coincide with the conflict. The girl's indecisiveness is what conflicted both her and Jig because it was the uncertainty that made her reluctant to come to a conclusion, and it was that uncertainty that made Jig struggle to keep his girl from doing something that she didn't WANT to do.
ReplyDeleteIn Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants,” the context is indirectly said to be a couple in a verbal duel, deciding whether to have an abortion or not. However, the biggest conflict in the story lays within only one person, the girl. Compared to her partner, the female is less in control and collected, more so ‘weak’. The conversation between the two starts off mundane and innocent, yet at its climax, gets so heated to a point where Jig threatens that, “[She’ll] scream” (Hemingway 478), if the American does not stop bombarding her with his opinions and beliefs. The idea of an abortion puts Jig in a very vulnerable position and the American presents an emotional distance by urging her to terminate their child. Jig at least tries to defend herself and her child. She asks, “Doesn’t it mean anything to you? We could get along” (Hemingway 477), to her lover, displaying sympathy and wardship towards their child. But her opposer does not see it the same way.
ReplyDeleteHe makes it clear that he “doesn’t want anybody but [her]” (Hemingway 478). A baby does not fit into their lifestyle and he doesn’t want to see if it does. On the other hand, Jig understands the gravity of the situation emotionally more than the American ever will. Countering the American’s claim that many women have turned out fine after the operation, she remarks sarcastically, “And afterwards they were all so happy” (Hemingway 477). There are certain legality, economic challenges, stigma and conventions during the 1920s that women must take note of when deciding to keep a child or not. Realistically speaking, the American will most likely not stay with the girl if she keeps her child. Keeping it requires so much money and many people will look down on her for being a single parent. Like the meaning of a “white elephant”, a pregnancy can mean ‘something that requires a lot of care and money and that gives little earnings or enjoyment back. Jig knows that the looming pregnancy will change the dynamics of their relationship and as well as her life, so she tries to bend herself to fit the American’s views. At the end of the story, when asked if she was all right, Jig responds, “I feel fine (…) There is nothing wrong with me. I feel fine” (Hemingway 478). Hemingway does not directly say the decision, but I inferred that the girl basically gave up and accepted the option the American compelled her to make, for the sake of their future. Although she was an adamant realist, Jig’s ‘girlhood’ made her naïve and weak to love, thus the eventual abortion. These two clashing personality traits show an internal conflict within Jig when given a dire situation.
I believe that the main conflict throughout this short story was the decision to keep the baby or not. The author clearly illustrates how the man is feeling about the situation while leaving the women a bit indifferent and undecided. While most of us did not catch what the story symbolized, after re-reading a huge clue I missed was "It isn't ours anymore... And once they take it away, you never get it back" (Hemingway 477). While at the end of the story the women believes that everything will be okay afterwards, I think their relationship is only down hill. She is making the decision in the hopes that the man will love her like he used to while his choice to not keep the child is completely selfish. He makes her feel as if she kept the child he wouldn't love her anymore, almost forcing her to give it up. And I think that is the ultimate conflict, weather or not the woman will side with the man and his wishes, which we know she does in the end.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting point. While the decision of aborting the child or not is a very significant conflict, your observation of their communication with each other and the down-hill effect that their relationship is obtaining through this aspect is quite intriguing. It is clear that the woman appears to be more selfless towards the topic (and consequently the man being more selfish), and this seems like an unhealthy way to maintain the relationship and even the decision for that matter.
DeleteIn my opinion, the most prominent conflict in Ernest Hemingway’s Hills Like White Elephants centers on the girl’s indecisiveness on whether to get an abortion or not. Her significant other passive aggressively forces her to do the procedure, as he tells her “It’s really an awfully simple operation (…) It’s really not an operation at all” (Hemingway 476). Although she is reluctant throughout their verbal argument, he assures her that she doesn’t have to do it if she doesn’t want to and will love her no matter what. However, the fact that the man urges her to get the abortion, tells the reader that the man wants the woman to choose either him or her baby. This conflicts with the woman’s desires, as she defends her unborn baby, rebutting his wishes by saying, “Doesn’t it mean anything to you? We could get along” (Hemingway 477). This shows that to some degree, the woman cares about her baby, and believes that all three of them could be a family. She is approaching the decision on whether to get an abortion in a complex manner, while her partner is making it clear that he wants to avoid the responsibilities that come with having a child and continue his current lifestyle. Ultimately, although it is her decision, her desired choice might lead to the end of her relationship and the perception that others have on her. Thus, her conflict is internal, stemming on what she believes is the two ‘rights’ - keeping the baby and also keeping her partner.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest conflict of "Hills Like White Elephants" is the internal conflict of the couple's indecision about Jig's abortion. Jig mentions that the hills in the sun are like "white elephants" (Hemingway, 475) in the sun in the brown country. However, she takes it back and says, "They're lovely hills. They don't really look like white elephants" (Hemingway, 476). According to dictionary.reference.com "white elephants" are a possession unwanted by owner or a possession entailing great expense out of proportion to it's usefulness or value to the owner. Knowing this, I feel that Jig calls the baby in her womb an unwanted thing, to convince her to abort, but takes it back after realizing that she does want to have the baby, henceforth calling it "lovely". In addition, Jig says, "we could have the world, but we can't because once they take it away, you never get it back" (Hemingway, 477). In other words, she's saying that the baby is like the world to a parent and without they can't have the world. This is an example of indecisiveness because if Jig is so adamant about what it's like without the baby then she should just outright say that she wants the baby. On the other hand, the man's unclarity about the baby represents his internal conflict of indecisiveness. When he says, I" don't want you to, I don't care anything about" (Hemingway, 478), but tells Jig, "I don't want you to do it if you don't want to because I'm willing if it means anything to you" (Hemingway, 477). These two conflicting statements basically exemplify his inconclusiveness.
ReplyDelete-Camille Valerio
The conflict begins when the couple orders a new drink from the bar. At first this doesn't seem like much of a problem, but it is the girl's remark that sparks the question of relevance, "That's all we do isn't it- look at things and try new drinks"(pg. 476). Throughout their entire relationship the thing that stands out the most to the girl is their idling, their relaxation. The important thing in their whole time together has been their freedom, the power to have the time to just laze around and apparently she's fed up with it.
ReplyDeleteThe abortion or lack thereof represents a turning point in their lives, "We can have everything... No we can't. It isn't ours anymore"(pg. 477). The appearance of the fetus is as sudden and powerful as a torrential rain or tidal wave in that it brings phenomenal change without the consent of the protagonist (ingrained by the American's little thought about the other train goers, "They were all waiting for the train"(pg. 478).). Now the couple relinquishes their freedom to cross from the brown and dry country to the other side, "were fields of grain along the banks of the Ebro"(pg. 477) and lead a different life. To trade freedom for family and embrace a new life. The man, "picked up the two heavy bags and carried them around the station to the other tracks"(pg. 478) and with that the couple embarks on a new journey, the conflict liberty resolved with the embrace of a new kind of lifestyle. A new chapter in their journey from the sunny banks of the Ebro to the autumnal season of age and responsibility brought about by nature's harvest.
The main conflict in the story "Hills like White Elephants" lies in the relationship itself. I believe that the girl lacks confidence in persuading the American to not have the abortion while the American is overly confident and "pushes" the woman around too much. This lead to indecision and a lack of communication between the two.
ReplyDeleteThe girl's lack of confidence led to a personality that contradicted herself. "The girl stood up and walked to the end of the station,"(Hemingway 477) shows how she has thoughts about not committing to the abortion. However, she drank some beer while pregnant, probably meaning she doesn't want to keep the baby after all.
The American's pushy attitude ended up having a negative effect in the decision until the end of the story. Throughout the story he was talking for the sake of himself and not for the feeling of the girl. This led to a high tension in the girl until she exclaimed "Would you please please please please please please please talking"(Hemingway)?
Thus the conflict is really within the relationship because both beings aren't having a sense about how the other is feeling.
In my opinion, the main conflict in this story is the decision to abort the baby or not. This is a very important conflict because it can have many significant repercussions, both negative and positive, if they decide to keep or abort the baby. On one hand, keeping the baby can bring them happiness and self-fulfillment, but may also place them in a financial burden. They may also not be ready mentally to raise a child. On the other hand, aborting the baby can leave the woman infertile (as many primitive abortion techniques were used in their time period) which could revoke her choice of ever having a child later in life, and it could also cause them both a lot of mental distraught. The positive side of the abortion decision would be financial and responsibility freedom, however this may not outweigh the emotional damage.
ReplyDeleteAn example of the woman's negative feelings toward the topic can be seen when she is talking about the consideration of aborting it, and she says sarcastically, "... and afterward they were all so happy" (Hemingway 477). I feel as if this is the main and most significant conflict because it forces both main characters to not only consider each other's feelings, but also their own feelings and desires to overcome such a difficult decision together.