WTF?? English Professor Explains Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" Analysis
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- Опубліковано 18 тра 2023
- English professor explains the meaning behind Ernest Hemingway’s short story, “Hills Like White Elephants.” Points explained are the symbolism of the setting, the meaning behind the characters’ conversation, the meaning of the white elephant, Hemingway’s iceberg theory and writing style, gender roles, and the truths of abortion in the early 20th century. #hemingway #hillslikewhiteelephants #shortstory #icebergtheory #abortion #whiteelephant #genderroles #lecture #professor #english #americanliterature #twentiethcenturyliterature #modernism #analysis #summary #subtitles #subtitle #education #subtitles #subtitle
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To listen to a full audiobook of “Hills Like White Elephants,” visit: ua-cam.com/video/opJRqCrC2i8/v-deo.htmlsi=yrSoWe5Q9-z97aGg
When I first read this story, like most of Ernest Hemingway's stories, I was a bit confused and overwhelmed. After watching this lecture, it seems very clear what the context of the story is. Your lectures are always very clear and precise. I do appreciate that. I think a lot of what I've learned through these lectures will benefit me in my writing journey.
Thank you!
I genuinely aprpeciated Dr. Kosters explanation and interpretation of the Iceberg Theory about "Hills Like White Elephants," as the thought did not cross my mind upon first read. Also the purposeful intent of Hemingway to never explicitly mention the word 'abortion,' yet imply heavily through subtle nods and teases is spine-chilling to say the least. I believe just as important as this story was in the early 20th century, it is still now relevant to many present issues women face around the globe.
Glad it helped!
This gave me a lot of clarity that helped me understand more of this story. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Hemingway's use of the iceberg theory is so consistently powerful in every work of his and using it here to talk about abortion is no exception. The route of abortion has Jig happier, but makes the man unhappy. The opposite is true too, and the way that's shown so simply without going incredibly in depth is really powerful.
Yes, the theory really works well for this study.
Another short story that I read for my English 102 class, it was intriguing not only to find the underlying themes and message, but also how vague it is. Hills Like White Elephants truly is a story that one has to reread in order to understand what is going on between the two characters, since the majority of the story is composed of pure dialogue. Despite being vague, Hemingway allows the reader to come up with a conclusion as to what decision the two characters will make. Also the underlying themes of abortion, gender roles and expectations, as well as the symbolism utilized to portray life and death are central to the story.
Absolutely.
I love this story so much because of the strange title that has nothing to do with the story itself. The story elaborately flows with the conversation of two people who carry the story, brilliantly written and also taboo for its time. This is another one of those stories that makes you think about life and the way you would carry yourself provided the circumstances.
Hemingway definitely makes you think!
I think the hidden message in this story is very well represented in the title as it shows overcoming a large event and barrier that the women has to go through. It truly opens you eyes and makes you relaize the imporatnce of events you experienced. The depth of your analysis depicts the characters very well and adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story.
I’m so glad to hear this!
When I first read Ernest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" I sincerely had no idea that the topic of abortion was the main conversational topic of interest being discussed between Jig and the man. While I was reading the story, there was so much dialogue going back and forth that I eventually got lost with who was saying what, but thanks to this lecture I was able to understand it more clearly and distinctly in respect to what was happening and being said in the story. For me, I think Ernest Hemingway is of a writer that popularized the writing style of writing simply and concisely; however, in his short story "Hills Like White Elephants" this can be said otherwise. I like how as I was reading this story Hemingway does a great job of writing about a careless, heartless individual who feels no remorse in influencing a woman to commit something atrocious and controversial. When we think about Ernest Hemingway's time, we can also discover how there were many botched abortions being committed by negligent doctors during these times and how it left women with infections that led to death. In addition to the abortions happening during Hemingway's time the doctors did not even use anesthesia because it took to long for women to recover. What's even worse when taking this information into consideration is while the girl in the short story is indecisive of whether or not to get the abortion, the man on the other hand tells her "It's really an awfully simple operation, Jig,’ the man said. ‘It's not really an operation at all." Taking this heartlessness and impetuousness into account, Hemingway outlines in great detail how men handled potential abortion situations whenever they arose. In addition to the abortion-related issue present in the story, the man never literally mentions the elephant in the room which is abortion, and this further demonstrates his flippantness and callousness to a serious issue at hand. Women had not much of a choice or saying in the past when it came to abortions, and so they succumbed to the binds of what their husbands wanted best for them which was them ultimately getting abortions. Lastly, I also like how white elephants symbolize prosperity according to the class lecture and how in the short story the girl (Jig) looks at the mountains and says that it looks like white elephants. I would like to think that Jig said this since she felt an intuitive maternal truth in knowing that in choosing to not have an abortion would bring her not only prosperity and health but also everlasting happiness for having her baby. Who knows. Maybe Jig did have the baby and left her controlling partner in order to ensure their safety. But all in all, it was a wonderful, intriguing story when one has an insight as to what's happening in the story. I hope to read more of Ernest Hemingway in the future. Thank you once again for your helpful lecture!
Thank you for sharing!
This story is so interesting because of the fact that the title "Hills Like White Elephants" has nothing to do with the actual storyline when looking at it directly. At first this story was a bit weird to grasp to but this lecture did help reiterate the context and give more background to the white elephants and abortion. This story does make me sad for the whole reason that Jig is being pressured to think that this operation is not a big deal and not so much to worry about when in reality she is being put through something that is illegal and very traumatic. However the man is still encouraging jig to follow through with it even though Jig knows the complexity of it. Hemingway does a great job conveying this message as he does not specifically say abortion but in fact covers it up as an operation to keep it less straightforward. I also love the explanation of the symbolism of the white elephants as it could mean that they baby could either be a burden on their relationship, a gift of great means, or even just seen as the elephant in the room, which with this story the abortion is definitely the elephant in the room like you said in the lecture.
Yes, the multiple meanings of the elephant is interesting in a story like this.
The story 'Hills....white éléphants ' actually grows out of a conversation of a couple Hemingway overheard in a café..
Really? I did not know that, but it’s certainly not surprising. He definitely gave us an accurate experience of eavesdropping! Thanks for sharing!
Many things we dont know about mister Hemingway...dear Whitney. When living in Paris as a struggling writer EH used to go to park to steal stray pigeons wring their neck, take them home for meal...!!!
This story gave me a stomach ache in a few different ways. The conversation among the couple, the abortion being concealed, or unnamed, and even the idea of having to choose one life over the other. I feel in todays day and age this happens a lot too where couples choose their happiness and the fate of their relationship by whether or not they keep a child. It is heartbreaking. When I first read the story I was very confused on what the operation was, but the video helped clear a lot of it up!
Glad to hear!
Overall, great video Professor Koster’s! You went into great detail with every aspect of the story which provided valuable context to certain unanswered questions I had and clarified the narrative of the story. Looking forward to more lectures like this!
Much appreciated!
thank you, provided a valuable info i couldnt find anywhere else
I am so glad it was helpful! I have a ton of other lectures on my channel in case you may need help in the future!
I really like how the beginning of the video explained the iceberg theory, because stories with this theory is so interesting as it allows you to think outside the box to unravel the true meaning of a story. I like how they don’t specifically say an abortion, but cover it up as an operation. It was illegal, but the man wanted the woman to have one, and the woman was obviously hesitant, rightfully so. Abortions can be physically and mentally traumatic for women, but many men who tell women to get one don’t think about that, nor do they seem to care. The man treating an abortion in a light manner just shows how little he cares about her well being, and sadly shows how many people care little about the well being of women’s choice of abortion.
I do think Hemingway criticizes the man by his problematic portrayal.
In the lecture video, it is said that the railroad is a symbolization of the two paths Jig can take regarding the abortion. One side being lush and filled with color, while the other side is colorless, treeless, and just overall dry. Could we use this symbolization for the two characters as well? Jig could possibly be symbolized more towards the lush and colorful side of the railroad as he who is unnamed could be the dry, colorless side of the tracks. From reading the story, I was able to intend that Jig thinks more of her choices, she weighs the pros and cons of life, while he is merely very straightforward and bland. In my opinion the symbolization of the two characters to the two sides of the railroad could even reflect onto how Hemingway favors women within this story.
Thanks for sharing.
love how birds are chirping in the background 🤭
I know! There are all sorts of noises and sounds when you record outside!
I will be completely honest; I was so confused when I finished reading this story but thanks to this lecture it was broken down perfectly. To this day I think most men have absolutely no clue of what women have to go through especially how in the story the man gives the impression that he had no compassion for Jig and the "operation" she had to go through. Even though the end doesn't really reveal what happened to their relationship I do hope she left that man who was completely inhumane with her and the decisions she had to make of her body.
I’m glad the lecture gave you some clarity!
I find it interesting to note that at the end of the story, the decision to board the train is used to represent the decision to get an abortion or not, i.e., getting on the train means getting the abortion (and submitting to the demands of an outside source, therefore losing free-will) and not getting on the train means not getting the abortion (reaffirming one's capability for independence.)
I think that's interesting because usually we associate trains, and vehicles of transportation, with freedom. Getting on a train usually means traveling somewhere far away, and getting a driver's license means obtaining the freedom to travel wherever one wants. But in this story, that symbolism is swapped. For Jig, using the train to travel far away means losing her freedom and her independence.
Wonderful insight, as always!
When I first read this story, the man really upset me. The way how the man was talking, I kind of figured he wanted her to have an abortion. During this time, not only were they illegal, it was such a dangerous procedure and for the man to act like it was easy really pissed me off. Yes, a pregnancy is life changing but to have an abortion can be life threatening to a woman. I know it is just a story, but I really hope Jigg did what she wanted and what was best for her. Or any woman in Jigg's situation.
Yes, I think the whole story is a criticism against the man. He’s pretty terrible.
I have watched a lot of other analyzes on this short story because I simply did not understand it. The story opens with no background and ends with no conclusion, only a hint at one. Even though I know of some people that enjoy open ended stories, I am not one of those people. Dr. Kosters explanation of the symbolism in while elephants gives the story a deeper meaning. Knowing white elephants were given as gifts but not very good gifts. Can provide perspectives from both the girl and the guy's point of views.
The story is confusing, for sure!
The most baffling of all EH stories : everything is tricky here : 'white Éléphants ', the word 'operation' & 'abortion' which is never mentioned. The tragic thing is the girl insists on 'love' after this operation. Heres where the readers need to step out of 'Abortion' . Is it actually Abortion EH implies? After all Abortion is not a very complicated affair. Women had been thru this processus & had come out back to normal life. It's not a really deadly affair. But the girl's attitude to this question is so frightening that it prompts readers to ask themselves if it isnt something beyond Abortion... a life-threatening pathology like uterus cancer. The symbol of white 'Eleplants' is the most trickiest. To start with 'white Éléphants ' dont exist. It's a myth. And if at all they existed It's in the form of metaphor, a luxurois burden. Is the girl going to be a 'burden' to the man? And the man wanting to get rid of this 'burden'. One never tires taking about 'Hills......like..'.
A woman being told that abortion is a simple and not a big deal operation is so sickening to listen to. Woman should never be told what they are to feel especially over an operation so high risk and draining. Jig having two minutes to decide whether she wants to care for the baby and raise it alone, or get on a train to Madrid and abort it is not enough time to decide such a life changing decision. My prediction of what Jig decides to do is, she decides to keep the baby and cares for it alone. I think that after having so many second thoughts she wouldn't decide to abort it.
Yes, the guy is pretty frustrating, to say the least.
I enjoy Hemingway's writing style. It is realistic to real life. In real life, relationships are not as clear cut as in romantic fairy tales. Conversations are meant to mean something else and it's up to the person to overanalyze. Jigg is unsure but she knows what she would like to hear and he knows as well I think. But it's easy for the man to downplay something like abortion at least back in the 1920's. This is universal. Abortions can seem like no big deal if you compare it to the alternative of raising a child. What the man fails to understand is the emotional aspect of an abortion and what it can do to a woman who hasn't fully accepted that decision. But that's the thing, is it seems some men don't think about the emotional aspects of much in general. Hence the clash between partners.
Good insight!
I thought this story was interesting for the way that it is written. I remember also being confused because of the title and how I was trying to connect the title to the story. However, after listening to this video and reading the story further, I was able to understand it a little better. Within the conversation of this couple, it was clear to me that they both had trouble hearing each other out and communicating. I can imagine the discussion of abortion being a difficult conversation, especially for woman who are the ones going through the procedure. Nonetheless, I felt a little frustrated with the man because of how he kept repeating himself as if he knew what having an abortion was like.
Thanks for sharing!
When I read this story, I didn’t know what the operation was or what was exactly going on. When you explained it, it became clear. The man was being extremely rude and saying an abortion is no big deal. He claimed it was easy and simple. During this time, I assume there was a good chance of it killing the woman, and even if there wasn’t, an abortion is very hard on a woman. Even someone who chooses to get an abortion has a very emotionally taxing experience. Obviously, I am not talking about everyone, just the generalities. I cannot speak for myself as I have never had one. Regardless, I find the man to be heartless and sexist. Now, talking about the end. I can see some symbolism. If she gets on the train, meaning she decides to abort, she is allowing herself to be subjected to what women were at the time, being owned like property and being expected to do whatever the man said. If she doesn’t get on the train, she’s breaking free of her stereotype. Obviously, this wouldn’t be the best choice for her because she won’t be able to support herself and the baby without finances, but I was just mentioning symbolism I saw. If anyone sees it differently, or saw anything that I missed and would like to add, please do. I’d be very curious to know.
Thanks for sharing!
I'm not sure how I feel about this story; Jig wasn't pleased, in my opinion. I have a feeling that she probably turned to abortion. It appeared that she and her boyfriend still needed some maturing as adults, therefore they were in no way prepared to parent a child. The scenario is somewhat dismal because it affects a lot of women nowadays and both parties are bound to the relationship because of a child.
Thanks for sharing!
I think Jig did end up getting the abortion. Although I don’t think she stayed with her partner. I felt that she knew that she was going to get the procedure, although she also knew that it would permanently end her relationship with her partner. This short story felt like the last chapter in their coupling, not necessarily the end but definitely nearing the end.
Yeah, she definitely doesn’t seem settled by the end, by any means.
The jig is up for jig. Something is ending.
Yes, agree!
I’ve always wanted to film this story. It would be very sparse. There would be nothing but the two main characters sitting across from each other at a table.
I’d probably not want to show it to anyone though.
The sparseness would complement the minimal expressions and conversation. Do it! Make the tension and frustration the primary dynamic.
This story is another story where the male partner character is just straight up really unlikable. The way he pressures his wife/girlfriend to get an abortion by veiling them in honey words is really sleasy in my opinion. The girl should ultimatly be the one the choose and not be pressured, especially since like you said, abortions back then were very dangerous. I also did really like the white elephant analogy the baby has in the story, it can be something that brings great joy but it can also be a massive burden.
Thanks for sharing!
I wasn’t crazy about this story mainly because of my Catholic faith. Is that alright?
Of course it is!!
You know what we Catholics think of abortion right?
I do! It’s notable that the story takes place in Spain-a very Catholic country. Also, at this time, abortion was considered immoral in general despite one’s religion.