"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."
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The analysis that I read was one that brought attention how Jigs character develops throughout the story. The author splits Jigs developments into four parts. The first part in her development is her role of a stereotypical passive female that follows her husband's commands. During the start of the passage the male is the one to order for Jig and leads Jig into drinking.The major part of Jig’s first development was highlighted when the author states, “... the couple’s life together center around the American's desire…” (Renner 3). This is expressly shown in the action of the couple drinking because of the man wanting to drink.
ReplyDeleteThe second part of Jigs development is when she realizes what she wants and begins to think for herself. This development causes the main conflict throughout the story as Jig’s desires to have the baby are shown. When the author states that Jig, “ … effectively distances herself from the influence of her male companion and enables herself evidently for the first time, to realize what is in her own mind” (Renner 6). This shows that Jig is starting to think about what having the baby would mean to her happiness not only her husband’s. The use of Jig physically standing up and removing herself from her husband’s presence does symbolize her growing independence from the American man.
The third development of Jig is shown when Jig actively establishes her independence in regard to having the abortion for the first time. This development is showcased in the repetition of the word please in the third page of the text. The analysis states, “The point behind the seven repetition of please … it to show, not tell, the real intensity of her resistance both to what he wants for their relationship and to the hypocrisy of his efforts to persuade her” (Renner 7). She starts to actively resist the discussion of the topic once she realizes that her lover only wants to have the abortion for his desires. She starts to realize the decision to have the abortion would only please her husband and not her. The analysis brought attention to the large amount of the word “please” symbolized the amount of her growing resistance towards her companion and the abortion.
The final development, is represented by her becoming more resentful towards to her male lover. Jig’s statement that nothing is wrong with her is analyzed as the author states, “.... in keeping with the story’s persistent reliance on suggesting irony or sarcasm in tone of voice, may well imply her realization that there is something wrong with her companion” (Renner 14). The verbal irony that seems to be used towards the end of the passage to show that Jig is realizes that she is perfectly “fine” including being pregnant. By establishing her views of having the baby as a good thing, Jig forces her lover to see his own faults and imperfection. She says that the problem is not her pregnancy but rather her husband's views towards the pregnancy. One question I had regarding Jig’s name was the importance of it relating to a harsh up and down motion?
I would like to address your question about Jig's name and its significance to the story. The harsh up and down motion of the device is similar to that of sexual intercourse. While it may create an image of violent intercourse, it is still intercourse none the less. This name is important because it is an object of harsh up and down motion, implying that Jig is just an object for harsh up and down motion (sexual intercourse). This is a tool for the American to dehumanize Jig and devalue their relationship. He looks to her as a logical way to feed his sexual appetite, rather than as a person who has value apart from sex. Now, this analysis has led me to a conclusion on Jig's decision. At the beginning of the story, Jig does not make a move without consulting the American. When she suggests the drink she poses is as a question, rather than an assertion of her desire. She ultimately leaves it up to the man. As the story and the conversation about the abortion continues, she becomes more distant. She is sarcastic and even goes as far to physically distance herself from the man. This leads me to believe she would eventually decide to keep the baby. She quickly begins to liberate herself from the manipulation and control of the man, so it leads me to infer she ultimately liberates herself permanently.
DeleteI like how you mention the clear defined stages of progression for Jig, because it reminds me of the advancement of women’s rights throughout different periods of history. It’s also interesting how the issue of abortion is still relevant today and applies to women’s rights. I think this analysis of “Hills Like White Elephants” addresses the issue of women becoming independent and escaping the predominantly patriarchal society which has been in place for so long. I also like how the last stage has a sense of uncertainty because you can’t be sure whether it is a stage of rebellion or hate, but I believe that Hemingway included that to indicate that if women don’t get the freedom they deserve there will be consequences.
DeleteI am interested in the significance of your explanation because the authors of the passages that we each read held opposing views on the topic of whether jig would have the abortion or not. Although your article describes how Jig was able to free herself from the oppressing grip of her partner, the author of my passage detailed the way that she instead became compliant and hopelessly obedient. In my article, instead of it being a positive realization, when Jig continuously says the word, ‘fine’, it is because she has become miserably submissive. It is fascinating that the outcome of this story can never be truly known, and the themes and symbols are viewed from different perspectives. Regarding Jigs name, in my article the author believed it alluded to the sexual victimization of the character, as well as the fact that she was viewed as unequal by her partner.
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