Literary Analysis Essay on Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway

Introduction

Hills like White Elephants story is narrated using the first person point of view. Ernest uses this to show that he is the victim of the story. This helps to bring more light and consequently make the story sound first hand. In the first person point of view, the story flows fresh in the mind of the reader, and at times explicit scenes of the story are reflected in the spirit of the reader. It would give a different meaning and perception of scenes within the story if it were to be told in another point of view. First person point of view derives originality of the story and readers have the desire to know more about the unveiling parts of the book. Furthermore, the first-person narration makes the reader feel part of the story as opposed to third-person narrative.

Is your time best spent reading someone else’s essay? Get a 100% original essay FROM A CERTIFIED WRITER!

Save 25%

Simple and Engaging Storyline

The storyline employed in this novel is quite simple and easy to understand. In addition to the fact it is narrated in the first person point of view, it hence makes the reader feel part of the story. Various structural devices used in the story also helps to add taste and value of the book by making it quite attractive and comfortable to go through. A white elephant is used as symbolism and further emphasizes the story subject. In the title itself, the hills are compared to the white elephant which also notes the use of various structural devices within the story. Considering the happenings within the story, the White Elephant has always been found to be something that is sacred and respected in a way and highly valued in the surface. But the primary challenge lies in the fact that it's relatively expensive to maintain hence it becomes a burden. In the context of the story, when the girl talked about the hills looking like white elephants and the man assumes that he had not observed one in his life. I believe that if, in any case, my, conscience is right according to the story, and then, I should think the hills symbolized female fertility her breasts and so on. But he could be suggesting that he is not ready to have a child in his name. This is equally why he is recommending for abortion.

The Decision-Making Theme

In the story, the author informs us how couples are faced with a tough decision to make. They have to decide whether to do the operation or not and this has the effect of changing their lives. Jig and American have a last-second talk at the train station, and they have to decide to abort the child or not. It is shown using various symbols and other devices that helps to communicate the theme and other emotional state and opinions on issues.

The character of interest in the story is Jig. Her personality and stance regarding the circumstance they are caught in are quite amazing. She feels confident and comfortable in all the situations they are found. Jig shows her optimistic and concerned nature when she questions America's idea of wanting to perform an abortion. She also portrays her caring and loving character for the unborn child despite the opposing forces from the husband. She is an active woman.

Conclusion

In concluding the analysis of this fantastic piece of work, "Hills like White Elephants," it is right that it is true that Hemingway showed excellent artwork through the use of various stylistic as well as structural devices greatly symbolism to illustrate the theme in the book.

Reference List

Hemingway, E. (1927). Hills like white elephants. The complete short stories of Ernest Hemingway, 211-14.