"Summarize the author's key ideas. Identify at least three examples/details that enhanced your understanding of the story. You can also address questions that the analysis provoked, or parts that you did not understand or agree with."
Make sure to follow guidelines for posting (posted on my website).
Then, make a secondary response to another response, preferably to a different article.
Then, make a secondary response to another response, preferably to a different article.
From reading the article about Gender-linked miscommunication I learned that the causes of the miscommunication originated from the fact that the reader doesn't even know what Jig is talking about in the story. The reader only really knows that what Jig is talking about is serious and that she doesn't want to talk about it very much. On the other hand, the man wants to talk about it constantly and Jig threatens to scream because of his persistence on the matter.
ReplyDeleteAnother important point in the article was that women speak with emotion rather than logic. Some examples of this in the story is when Jig tries to change the subject multiple times. It is obvious that she is upset and doesn't want to talk about the operation so she tries to talk about something else such as the hills or the drinks they ordered. The man on the other hand only talks about the operation and tries to give her facts and reasons why she shouldn't be afraid to do it. He uses logic rather than emotion while she uses emotion rather than logic.
The last important point of the article that I could find was that the conversation is controlled by the man. When Jig tries to change the topic of the conversation he shoots it down with a quick response ending the conversation. When Jig states that the hills look like white elephants the man just replies that he has never seen one instead of asking why or how the mountains look like elephants. Another example would be when they are ordering the Anis del Toro and Jig asks the man if it's good with water he replies that it is all right without any further explanation of why it is all right. One thing I am confused about in the article is what are the jokes and humor that Jig uses to talk about her feelings? Other than that I agreed with the rest of the article and it did allow me to better comprehend the way that gender causes miscommunication in the story.
DeleteAfter reading your analysis of the blog, I have seen that we share similar ideas. I started to read this article, but was taken aghast by the amount of information that was presented. I really appreciate you breaking it down for me. I agree that the American man was being too insensitive to Jig’s feelings; however, I see it in a different light. I feel as if the man was pushing Jig to be a self-thinker. He wanted Jig to learn the basis of making her own decisions. I agree with you on the fact that the American man was controlling the conversation by saying “You don’t have to…but do it if you want.” (Hemingway 3). Jig also appears to shift the conversation away multiple times, but the man keeps on bringing the “train” of thought back onto his own track. I believe that the answer to your question lies in the blatant usage of the words. Hemingway makes the conversation seem so dull, that it make it comical for the reader who is paying very close attention to the diction. I am glad that we have very closely related ideas and thoroughly enjoyed reading your point on this topic.
I feel that your analysis lacked a lot of specific evidence, however over-all, you got the jist of the article. I don't agree that the "causes of the miscommunication originated from the fact that the reader doesnt even know what Jig is talking about in the story". While the rest of your analysis seeems consistent with the article we read, your first paragraph completely misses the whole "gender-linked miscommunication" assertion. I think that the causes of miscommunication orginate from Gender-linked speech patterns. Smalley asserts that Speech patterns contrasts so significantly, that it causes an inability to communicate between men and women.
DeleteAfter reading the article Gender-Linked Miscommunication in “Hills like White Elephants” by Pamela Smiley, I found that the main idea of the article revolves around the focal reasons for gender linked differences. Smiley states that the “three major areas of gender linked differences in language: how, about what, and why men and women talk” (1). These areas are all present in HLWE, and they can all be summed up in one word: abortion. The article illustrates that Jig and the American rely on different sources for conversation. “Jig… focuses on emotions rather than facts,” (3) reinforces the idea that females act on emotion more than their male counterparts. I can see how this corresponds to the story, as Jig’s main concern is for her unborn child, an emotional focal point. The author also mentions that “intimacy for women is shared in words… for men shared actions” (3). This portion of the article sheds light on the matter of why conversation about the hills like white elephants ended between Jig in the American as he says, “I’ve never seen one.” By stating that he had never actively seen one, he ends the conversation. Prior to reading this article, I did not understand the significance of this set of dialogue. The article also discusses the use of “neutral adjectives” and “empty adjectives” (6). While reading HLWE, I noticed the emotionless adjectives used in the dialogue between the girl and the American, but I did not fully comprehend their importance in relation to gender linked communication. After reading through the article, I realized that the intended incorporation of the neutral and empty adjectives was to dull the strong feelings and sense commitment due to the fact that the couple was obviously in the midst of a disagreement. In fact, the only time they girl and the American seem to be in agreement is on the topic of beer. I disagree with the point that Smiley made about the American distancing himself “by paying so little attention to Jig” (8). I thought that this was more of the American’s way of making Jig feel worthless in an attempt to trick her into succumbing to his wants and beliefs and going through with the abortion. I believe that if he were attempting to distance himself from Jig, he would not have tried so hard to persuade her to have an abortion.
ReplyDeleteYou make very clear and strong points regarding the roles gender plays in the diction and standpoint of wither character. I appreciate the conciseness of your analysis and the clarity of your topic sentences. However, I do find much analysis or evidence to support your claim of "can all be summed up in one word: abortion.". I also find the claim of the American attempting to make the girl feel worthless in order to trick her into having the operation done slightly sexist. The American was very clear with his wishes from the beginning and would not have to demoralize his mate to get what he wants. Other than a few unsupported claims (however drastic), your analysis of the purpose of the article allowed me to gain a new perspective without having to analyze the grueling article myself. And for that, I thank you.
DeleteIn the article, Gender-Linked Miscommunication in “Hills Like White Elephants” by Pamela Smiley, I discovered the main idea of the article reveals reasons for gender-linked differences. Smiley states “three major areas of gender linked differences in language: how, about what, and why men and women talk.” (Smiley 1) This can all be noticed in HLWE and results in the overall theme of the story being about abortion. This articles reveals that the American and Jig are reliant on different places for their conversation. “Jig… focuses on emotions rather than facts,” (Smiley 3) reinforcing the stereotypical idea of women act and respond based on emotion compared to the opposite gender. Jig’s most prioritized concerned is for her unborn child, which is an emotional connection for her, made me see that this helps corresponds to the story itself. Also mentioned in the article, the author states, “intimacy for women is shared in words…for men shared actions.” (Smiley 3) This section of the article brings attention to how the conversation ends about the hills resembling white elephants between Jig and the American with, “I’ve never seen one.” Because he stated that he has never actually seen one, it ends the conversation. For the dialogue of this article, the author discusses the usage of neutral adjectives and empty adjectives. When I was reading HLWE, I noticed adjectives used in the dialogue that seemed to be emotionless between the American and the girl, but unfortunately, I had difficulty connecting the importance of these adjectives in relations to gender-linked communication. I eventually noticed the purpose of the usage of these neutral and empty adjectives was to mellow out the strong feelings that was arising between the couple for the duration of their argument. I do not agree with the point that was remarked about the American distancing himself, “by paying so little attention to Jig.” (Smiley 8) I believe that this results in the reader thinks in a way American’s way of making Jig feel worthless in an attempt to trick her into giving into his wants and beliefs for the future on the unborn baby and continue along with the abortion. I can conclude that if he were attempting to distance himself from Jig, he probably would not have to try so hard to persuade her to go though with the abortion.
ReplyDeleteIn the article, “Gender-Linked Miscommunication in ‘Hills Like White Elephants’”, Pamala Smiley argues that gender linked language differences make it difficult to communicate. In her article, Smiley indicates how the short story “Hills Like White Elephants” shows how the feminine language focuses on emotion and passiveness while the male language focuses on objectivity and activeness. When Smiley mentioned how Hemingway styled Jig’s dialogue to reflect her focus on emotion rather than on an objective, I noticed how Jig often diverted the conversation from the abortion to try draw an emotional response from the American, while the American diverted the conversation back to the task at hand, which was the abortion. Smiley also mentions how the male figure in this short story, the American, dominated the conversation while the female figure, Jig, is more passive. This made me realize how the American was truly the controlling force in the conversation and only gave Jig a sense of choice to seem less oppressive. This understanding of the controlling force made me realize that even though it seems like a two sided conversation, there is only one dominating force and that in the end there can only be one dominating force in any conversation, and this dominant force is essentially the winner. Smiley also mentions the single minded view of the American, where he perceives his views as being right and considers Jig’s views as unreasonable, which made me realize how the faulty relationship in this short story is a result of not being able to understand the opposite gender’s form of communication.
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DeleteAfter reading the article, Gender-Linked Miscommunication in “Hills like White Elephants” by Pamela Smiley, I gained a better understanding of Hemingway’s rhetoric by recognizing the strong gender-linked language patterns apparent in the story. The author of this article highlights the notion that the vital difference between male and female communication is that men tend to focus more on logic and facts; whereas women talk of fantasies and emotions. This concept is utilized by Hemingway from the very beginning of the short story, when Jig compares the hills in the background to white elephants. The American’s quick shut down of Jig’s metaphorical observations goes to show that the man has little regard for her point of view. However, Smiley brings into light that considering the situation in both a male’s and female’s perspective can allow us to better understand it. If it is evaluated using a traditional male standard, Jig’s statement may seem unnecessary and distracting from the main goal, which is to convince her to get an abortion. Considering it in Jig’s perspective, the man is seen as rude and inconsiderate for not rejecting her ideas and thoughts. The second point that Smiley makes is that men are more goal oriented and women are more relationship oriented. The idea of intimacy, for example, is seen as an act of sharing words and emotions in a women’s mind; whereas for a man, it is the act of shared actions. This is evident throughout the course of the entire story as the words of the American are more terse and straightforward compared to those of Jig’s being filled with emotions and interjections. Even the main conflict of deciding whether Jig should have an abortion can be seen in these two different perspectives. In the American’s view, an abortion is merely an action, so he tries to coerce Jig into going through with it by appealing to her emotions. He tells her that he will be by her side through the entire operation, which he views as a sign of intimacy. Jig, on the other hand, is more concerned with the emotional effects of the abortion; her idea of intimacy with the American is being able to communicate with him about the simple possibility of having an abortion, yet she is shut down by his controlling nature. The female’s tendency to think and communicate in a more metaphorical or indirect manner is also presented when Jig reflects on the fertility of the land on one side of the train station and contrasts it with the dry barren hills on the other side. She reveals her true intentions by metaphorically comparing the fertile land to her fertility and the bright future she sees without having an abortion. However, the American calls her back into the shadows of not only the literal hills but also into the figurative darkness with which she views her life to be if she gives into his words. Reading this article enhanced my understanding of the short story by providing many different perspectives of each situation. It raised many questions in my mind as to what exactly the author was aiming to convey in some parts of the story.
ReplyDeleteI chose the article "Gender Linked Miscommunication" by Pamel Smalley. In this article, Smalley examines the plot of the story in relation to Gender roles and communication. Smalley associates specific speech patterns to gender characteristics to explain the dialogue which took place in "Hills Like White Elephants". Smiley specifically adresses several plot points to support her views of gender-based miscommunication. One example she used emphasized the role of tag-end questions (Smalley 5). These are questions made by ending declarative statements with specific phrases such as "wasn't it?" or "isn't it?". Smalley asserts that Jig's use of these remarks highlighted her need for affirmation and dependency on "The American". Smalley also attributes specific speech patterns with "The Girl" and "The American". Feminine speech patterns tend to be more imprecise, emotional and passive, like Jig, while male speech patterns tend to follow a more declarative, assertive, and direct syntax, like "The American's" (Smalley 2). These patterns are clear in the story and explain the sense of dependency Jig feels for the ma. This also provides us with a clear analysis and explanation for the man's focus on the logic of the procedure, and Jig's emotional focus on the relationship between her and the Man. Smalley describes this exchange even further by asserting that female speech is more "relationship-oriented" while male speech tends to be more "goal-oriented". Jig and the American both demonstrate these stereotypical views, and this article helped to clarify and analyze the brief dialogue which occurred between them and reveal a deeper theme of gender miscommunication and stereotypes. As Smalley points out, I feel that these stereotypical views are not necessarily accurate in terms of today's more progressive society in contrast to the society in which Ernest Hemingway most likely based "Hills Like White Elephants. IN today's society, women have taken on a more powerful and assertive role in the past. Women can often be portrayed as dominant as opposed to typical female characteristics like frail, and so these speech patterns may not apply to the modern woman.
ReplyDeleteI like the way that you analyzed both the characteristics of women in the modern era and in the past. I feel that gender roles play a major part in the debate between the girl and the man. Due to these roles, the way that the man and Jig talk are very different. The way that you described the tone/attitude of their language is the same as my article’s description of their language, (Allusion, Word-play, and the Central Conflict) that Jig’s is emotional, imprecise, and relationship-oriented, while the man’s is very direct, goal-oriented, and assertive. These different languages help to portray their relationship with each other during and perhaps before the conflict, as well as their positions as the argument goes on. The one thing that I do not agree on is that Jig needs affirmation from “The American” if she continues with the operation because I feel that if the American were really concerned for her, he would allow her to have the baby and live together with Jig and the baby, instead of taking the risk of possibly killing her in the operation.
DeleteYour response to the analysis of Hemmingway's "Hills like White Elephants" flows very smoothly in terms of structure. I admire the way you have transitioned your thoughts from each of the author's key points almost effortlessly. You have also presented strong specific evidence from the article with adequate analysis of the examples. I had noticed the significant amount of Jig's "tag-end questions" which highlighted her need for affirmation from the American; however, I believe such questions were asked in order to see if he would respond in a more excited and positive manner when discussing the possibility of not terminating her pregnancy. The American did not show a strong favor of keeping their unborn child which may be because male speech is more "goal-oriented" and focused on logic rather than emotion. However, the assertion that male speech is more assertive and declarative seems to not correlate with the American's speech patterns because his dialogue wasn't very direct. This may be because of Hemmingway's famous "iceberg effect" and his method of writing concisely to have a greater thought-provoking affect on the readers. I also agree with and admire your assertion that these stereotypical views are a translucent reflection of the gender roles and communication in modern society!
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ReplyDeleteThe short story "Hills Like White Elephants" by, Ernest Hemingway, depicts the power struggle between couples due to gender differences through use of setting, point of view, and dialogue. The setting allows the reader to see that the two are at a crossroads, so to speak, within their relationship by placing them at a train station. Further, we see that the characters are in a metaphorical limbo, where they struggle together in a neutral ground, because they are sitting inside of a bar at the train station, separated from the rest of the world and population. The point of view helps to keep the reader objective by being 3rd person. We are only privy to their actions and words and cannot see into their thoughts or feelings. This point of view also adds to the iceberg effect, through forcing the reader to create their own inferences and gain more relevance through that. Lastly, the power struggle is most readily depicted through the dialogue by including mostly questions from the "girl" demonstrating that she needs "the American's" permission to think or feel. The "American" Is then forceful and almost bullies the girl into his thoughts, that is until the end, when she begins to make her own statements and take control. That is when the dialogue becomes more obscure and we know that the two reach an agreement, but not to what conclusion they arrived at.
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