“Hills Like White Elephants,” Analysis Essay
In the story “Hills Like White Elephants,” both characters are motivated to attain
something from the other: the woman desires emotional validation from the man, as the man
seeks affirmation for his ideas. Their relationship can be seen as a twisted transactional; both
parties believe there is an expectation that if one gives, one will receive. However, this is not true
for the woman’s case.
Throughout the story, the man disregards the woman’s creative ideas and witty
comments, often using a defensive tone to shut her down. In contrast, the woman tries to draw
out the man’s approval, indirectly asking for his validation when making comments.
Overall, the man sees her as a follower, and the woman sees him as an affirmer. This
dynamic reveals an unjust power dynamic in the story, as the man has the most power in their
relationship. His dominance can be seen in the way he changes the trajectory of their
conversation, especially when he says the line, “It’s really a simple operation, Jig.” The man is
commenting on an operation that she must undergo, possibly an abortion. Throughout the
story, he uses the operation as a form of manipulation, promising her that the operation will
allow their relationship to thrive, and without it he will be unable to promise her the love and
stability she craves for. He continues to manipulate her throughout the story, as his cold and
distant tone only shifts to affectionate and pleading when there is something in it for him.
In the end of the story, this power dynamic is reinforced in a subtle way. As the man
leaves to carry their bags towards the station, leaving her alone, it creates a physical and
emotional distance between the two. During their last encounter, the validation and reliance she
craves from him is still evident, as she does not oppose undergoing the operation, hoping to
mend their relationship back together. The character’s desire for love puts her in a dangerous
situation, as she continues to look for the man’s love in places where it simply does not exist.
In the story “Hills Like White Elephants,” both characters are motivated to attain
something from the other: the woman desires emotional validation from the man, as the man
seeks affirmation for his ideas. Their relationship can be seen as a twisted transactional; both
parties believe there is an expectation that if one gives, one will receive. However, this is not true
for the woman’s case.
Throughout the story, the man disregards the woman’s creative ideas and witty
comments, often using a defensive tone to shut her down. In contrast, the woman tries to draw
out the man’s approval, indirectly asking for his validation when making comments.
Overall, the man sees her as a follower, and the woman sees him as an affirmer. This
dynamic reveals an unjust power dynamic in the story, as the man has the most power in their
relationship. His dominance can be seen in the way he changes the trajectory of their
conversation, especially when he says the line, “It’s really a simple operation, Jig.” The man is
commenting on an operation that she must undergo, possibly an abortion. Throughout the
story, he uses the operation as a form of manipulation, promising her that the operation will
allow their relationship to thrive, and without it he will be unable to promise her the love and
stability she craves for. He continues to manipulate her throughout the story, as his cold and
distant tone only shifts to affectionate and pleading when there is something in it for him.
In the end of the story, this power dynamic is reinforced in a subtle way. As the man
leaves to carry their bags towards the station, leaving her alone, it creates a physical and
emotional distance between the two. During their last encounter, the validation and reliance she
craves from him is still evident, as she does not oppose undergoing the operation, hoping to
mend their relationship back together. The character’s desire for love puts her in a dangerous
situation, as she continues to look for the man’s love in places where it simply does not exist.
