American literature essay. Literary analysis of works and characters - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Hills Like White Elephants: Silent Screams: Unmasking the Agony of Choice
Ernest Hemingway

Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" is a visceral examination of the excruciating weight of choice that goes beyond the sparse backdrop of a Spanish train stop. Underneath the seemingly straightforward exchanges between Jig and the American man, there is an unsaid struggle between love, desire, and the possibility of losing one's future.

The narrative's pivotal unsaid choice is subtly conveyed through allusions to elephants and anis del Mono, and its weight is felt more keenly than any spoken words. Every reference, every drink they share turns into a sharp jab in the silent battle waging between them. The desolate surroundings serve as a sharp reminder of the possible repercussions of their decision, reflecting the emotional sterility endangering their relationship.

Jig represents the silent pain of not knowing. Her carefree attitude, the drops of condensation around her drink, and her assertion that "nothing really matters" indicate a frantic attempt to conceal the anxiety and misery she is experiencing. In the face of a decision that could change your life, the unsaid prayers, "Don't you love me?" and "We can have everything," linger unsaid but dangle heavy in the atmosphere.

Even though he ignited the fight, the American man is still a mystery. His stern exterior belies a personal struggle that is occasionally shown by his evasive promises and condescending shrugs. His aloof declarations that "we can have everything" seem hollow in light of their current situation, as if he is trying to protect himself from having to make sacrifices and commit to anything.

Hemingway's genius is in his deft use of expressive imagery and nuanced gestures to convey the emotional complexities of this internal struggle. The sound of the ice cubes clinking symbolizes their hearts rattling with anxiety, and the rising sun becomes a brutal reminder that their choice will change their destiny forever. The silences in the novel are what give it its strength; the unanswered queries and entreaties create a stuffy environment that emphasizes how important the choice they have to make is.

The narrative of "Hills Like White Elephants" is more than just a couple discussing an abortion. It is a moving depiction of the anguish of decision-making and the emotional paralysis that results from having to make crucial life decisions. The final shot of Jig, tears about to spill, and the lack of resolution only serve to highlight the lasting impact of these silent screams—a menacing reminder of the suffering and uncertainty that come with having to choose one road over another.

This paper offers a foundation for your literary study. To strengthen your case, you can go deeper into the issues of gender roles, societal expectations, and the effects of prior trauma, or you can examine the setting's and the beverages' symbolic meanings. You can also elaborate on each point using particular instances and textual evidence from the short tale. To produce an analysis that is coherent and well-structured, don't forget to employ compelling thesis statements and obvious transitions.