Ernest Hemingway, author of “Hills like White Elephants,” illustrates his abundant usage of ambiguity throughout the short story. Ambiguity leaves opportunity for the analyzing reader to fill in the blanks of the story. Initially upon reading “Hills Like White Elephants,” confusion can overtake the mind. This short story shows extreme vagueness and certain emptiness in the dialogue that causes the reader to become more curious about Hemingway’s true meaning.
After the detailed description of the setting in Spain, the story takes a turn from the lighthearted and the characters initiate a prolonged dialogue about a subject unknown to the reader. The debate between the two protagonists about the operation lengthens but never quite goes into depth. All the reader is aware of is that the operation is simple, common, and the man is desperately trying to convince the woman to have it. The conversation seems so simple and meaningless but subtle undertones force the reader to sense a tenseness of the two. Although the text never clearly states that the two are upset or unhappy with their situation, one can infer this when the American says, “It’s the only thing that bothers us. It’s the only thing that makes us unhappy.” We know something has happened that is affected the couple’s relationship and this operation has a weigh in on the ultimate outcome of the two. When the girl even questions his love for her, it is written plainly. However by putting the quote into context the reader can sense an uncertainty in her imaginary voice.
Hemingway has a profound use of ambiguity in that it creates a curious tone for the story. Although simple, the text is flowing with indirect undertones and suggestions. This indistinctness breaks down the walls for the reader and allows him to make his own connotations of the text.
After the detailed description of the setting in Spain, the story takes a turn from the lighthearted and the characters initiate a prolonged dialogue about a subject unknown to the reader. The debate between the two protagonists about the operation lengthens but never quite goes into depth. All the reader is aware of is that the operation is simple, common, and the man is desperately trying to convince the woman to have it. The conversation seems so simple and meaningless but subtle undertones force the reader to sense a tenseness of the two. Although the text never clearly states that the two are upset or unhappy with their situation, one can infer this when the American says, “It’s the only thing that bothers us. It’s the only thing that makes us unhappy.” We know something has happened that is affected the couple’s relationship and this operation has a weigh in on the ultimate outcome of the two. When the girl even questions his love for her, it is written plainly. However by putting the quote into context the reader can sense an uncertainty in her imaginary voice.
Hemingway has a profound use of ambiguity in that it creates a curious tone for the story. Although simple, the text is flowing with indirect undertones and suggestions. This indistinctness breaks down the walls for the reader and allows him to make his own connotations of the text.