I mentioned in class on Wednesday that I would occasionally offer up a discussion question for all to consider on the blog. Any valuable response (typically more than three sentences) will be worth 1 point that goes toward the 40 points that must be accumulated by the end of the semester for context journal entries. Here's the first question:
What does the white elephant symbolize or stand for in Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants"? In other words, what do you think the American and Jig (the girl) are really discussing when they talk about a white elephant and surgery? How does this add to the emotional impact of the story? (Please cite any source you may use to help with your response AND simply click the comment tab below the following image to add your response to this thread.)
Image Credit: http://www.behance.net/gallery/Hills-like-white-elephants/2129764
1 comment:
When I first read this story, I had no idea what the characters were talking about. I got so frustrated because the story was based around this whole conversation but I had no idea what it was. In our last class someone said that the white elephant symbolized an unwanted pregnancy and now I am able to understand it. I kind of get the feeling that the woman is going to get rid of the child because the man wants her to. They have their suitcases and have traveled a lot and she says something like all we do is try new drinks and look at things. The man isn't ready for a child and all the responsibilities and maybe the woman isn't either, but she definitly wants to make the man happy.
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