Ernest Hemingway dramatizes in “Hills Like White Elephants,” a problem we have all likely experienced at one time or another: the lack, or dearth of communication that exists within a couple. Hemingway uses a dialogue between Jig and American to tell this short story. In both the dialogue and context clues, it is clear that this conflict involves an unexpected pregnancy. In the story, the main issue is that the couple cannot express their opinions on the subject. The lack of communication creates the rift between them. Hemingway uses this to show how people do not express themselves fully to either protect others, or protect themselves. Consider the American perspective. He appears to be a young, carefree man who is very happy with his lifestyle. He would be less than thrilled to become a father any time soon.
The American expresses that he wishes Jig would undergo an abortion procedure. His dialogue, however, does not reflect this desire to the same degree as it could. He adds, “It seems like a pretty simple procedure, Jig.” It’s a very simple operation… I am sure Jig would not mind. This short statement says a lot about the character of the American. He repeats the “really” involved in the abortion twice, to try and define the situation for both parties. By minimizing the severity, he minimizes his own operation. Clearly, his statement is untrue and the hasty mention devalues it. The American is made to appear deceptive by his bluntness in bringing up the subject. If the operation was as simple as he suggests, he wouldn’t have to exaggerate it, and Jig would not have such an emotional reaction to his suggestions.
In the story, the American’s position on the issue is repeatedly portrayed. He tells Jig, in response to his hesitation, that he doesn’t need to do it. I wouldn’t make you do something you didn’t like. But I’m sure it’s easy”. The American makes many passive-aggressive statements towards Jig. Perhaps to protect Jig’s feelings, or protect his image. The communication he has with Jig can be seen as manipulative. While he admits that Jig is the one who makes the final decision, he manages to make the operation seem safe and simple. Even though he doesn’t express his intentions clearly, he continues to bring up the topic in an attempt to convince her. Jig makes the decision, but he does not reveal his true self. The American’s words throughout the story illustrates the theme miscommunication.
The other possibility is that Jig had considered keeping the baby, but she hesitated for fear of the American’s reaction. She states specifically, “And you will love me if I do this.” Jig seems to be very worried about maintaining the relationship. She expresses her concern at one time in the conversation. “We could have it all”, she implies, a life of happiness and ease with one another. “We could have it all, but every day we make more difficult”. Jig knows that the baby could take that opportunity away.
So, in order to protect herself and her relationship from the “hiccup”, she is compelled to do so. Jig stops him by asking, “Can we perhaps stop talking?”. The American continues to speak despite her discomfort, even though she repeatedly asks him not to. The American continues to speak despite her repeated requests to stop. Jig, the main character, is never given a chance to express her opinion. The reader can confirm that this belief when Jig says “I feel great.” It’s not me. I’m fine (Hemingway 206) We do not know whether she is “fine”, or if the pregnancy continues, with her abortion.
The story’s defining moment is clear, but the ending remains ambiguous. Jig made a final decision, which is likely not for her own benefit, but to preserve the relationship. This story is a miscommunication tale, but literary elements like narration, setting, symbolism and more are all contributing to it indirectly. The narrative of “Hills Like White Elephants”, narrated in third person objective, is not able to give the reader any insight into the characters’ minds. It is impossible for the audience to know exactly what the characters feel about the operation. We have to read the dialogues and observe the body language of the characters to know what they are thinking.
Hemingway used a narrative point-of view to make the audience uncomfortable. He also wanted to create the illusion that the audience was an eye-witness to the incident. He placed the audience further in the shoes the couple. The setting for “Hills Like White Elephants”, also known as the piece’s central theme, is symbolic. The train is a symbol of a couple’s relationship at a crossroads. The station serves as a halt between Barcelona & Madrid. Both characters are forced to choose a direction. It’s up to them to decide whether they want to leave or stay, and keep the child. A contrast can be drawn between the barren, white hills, and the fertile valley, which is what Jig will have to decide. Jig’s love of landscapes can be explained by the story. She says that they “look like white Elephants”. They are beautiful hills. These don’t seem to be white elephants. I meant to say the coloration of their skin when viewed through the tree”. Later in the story she describes the view from the opposite side. The opposite side had a field and trees along the Ebro’s banks. Jig, like her feelings about the project, seems torn in two directions.
As an additional note, Jig, who is American, interprets for Jig in the story. This is a playful and ironic way to poke fun at the subject of miscommunication. Ernest Hemnigway shows a failure to communicate at their best. The couple in the piece has a hard time expressing their opinion on a topic they are facing. The couple’s relationship is harmed by their inability to communicate, mainly out of fear. In addition, the fact that the story ends with the readers being forced to form their own opinions about the couple’s decision is indicative of a miscommunication theme. Ernest Hemingway’s story does not tell the audience what happens next. The couple may decide whether to have the abortion or not, but he doesn’t say it. Jig also did not speak to Jig about her feelings. This was perhaps done to mimic the confusion and inability of the couple to communicate effectively during this period.
