AUTHOR: ERNEST HEMINGWAY
FIRST PUBLISHED IN AUGUST 1927
"Hills Like White Elephants" is a short story set in a train station in Spain. The story mainly revolves around a conversation between an American man and a young woman known as "the girl". The story narrates the couple's decision when it is discovered that the woman is pregnant and the man wants to abort the foetus in the girl's womb, or we can call it an abortion, but the girl is reluctant to do so. The story ends with a scene of the couple standing at the railway station, looking at an oncoming train. The woman looks at the hills in the distance and says that they look like white elephants.
This story has some pros and cons when you read it
Pros:
1. Subtext and Interpretation: One of the main strengths of this story is the use of subtext and interpretation. The story does not explicitly state the main issue (abortion), but relies on the reader to interpret the dialogue and actions of the characters. This ambiguity encourages critical thinking and discussion.
2. Concise and economical: Hemingway's concise writing style is on full display in this story. It is a masterclass in saying a lot with few words. This brevity allows for a quick and powerful reading experience, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.
3. Universal themes: Although written in the 1920s, the themes of choice, communication and the complexity of relationships are still relevant today. This timelessness contributes to the story's enduring appeal.
4. Character development: Hemingway managed to create well-rounded characters in a very short time. Through their dialogue and actions, readers can see their personalities and the dynamics of their relationships.
Cons:
1. Lack of clarity: While the subtext of the story is a strength, it can also be a weakness for some readers. Some may find the lack of clarity frustrating or feel that it leaves too much open to interpretation.
2. Minimal plot: "Hills Like White Elephants" is essentially a character-driven story with little plot. This may disappoint readers who prefer more action or narrative development.
3. Limited diversity: The story has only two characters and minimal descriptions of the setting. Some readers may prefer a story with a wider cast of characters or a richer setting.
4. Controversial theme: The main theme of the story, abortion, is a sensitive and controversial topic. While this is a strength in terms of tackling complex issues, it may also alienate or make some readers uncomfortable.
The strengths and weaknesses of this story are subjective and depend on individual preferences and interpretations.
This short story was also filmed in 2002 with the same title and running 38 minutes.
After reading the story I think the conflict can be related to life today, but what I don't like about this story is that the ending does not give an answer whether the girl will have an abortion or not, but interestingly we can imagine what the girl will do whether she will have an abortion or not.
