Question

In at least one hundred words, discuss the significance of the conversation that occurs in “Hills Like White Elephants.” How do Jig and the American relate to one another? How do they understand one another?

Answer 1

Answer:

The girl and the American are chatting at a railstation having a conversation about "it" never really refering to what exactly "it" was but both of them seem to be very on track and with well understandings of what they where discussing as they had some drinks. The American man then comes to state , "It's really an awfully simple operation Jig' , the man said." This comes to show just how they refer to "it" but what that "it" happens to be is a baby that they are discussing about aborting. Although they have a good understanding in secret unspecific conversations , it does not seem they have a mutual understanding about the abortion as the girl seems to be worried about whether the abortion will keep the man for a good future and good relationship but the man seems to be in control of the situation and more worried about getting the abortion over with.

Explanation:

Answer 2

The American and the girl are at a railway station; they are talking about "it" while they are having some drinks. They never refer to what that " it" means directly till the American man says: " 'It's really an awfully simple operation, Jig', the man said." This tells that they cannot have an open and honest conversation about a problem they both have: the girl is pregnant and the "it" refers to abortion. Their relationship seems to be evasive. The girl does not seem to be decesive about the operation and she seems to care more about her relatiosnhip with the man in the future. The man sounds more pragmatic; he wants the problem to be solved today. " I love you now...", the man said ;  "And if I do it.......you'll love me?", the girl said. The man is in control of the situation and the girl seems helpless. They understand one another is a patronising way and the man is the patronising character.