Hemingway

 In Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" we are privy to an intense conversation between two people, in what is otherwise a seemingly inconsequential pitstop along their trip. The story doesn't have a beginning really, nor an end; it is just a scene of their lives and there is no resolution. The discussion they're having is one a lot of people can empathize with, even if it isn't the exact situation. It seems as if its a conversation they've been having frequently, as the man comments on them being 'happy before', implying they have not been happy as of late. Jig does what a lot of people in these types of situations do- they brush off the uncomfortable conversation, they stamp down their feelings, the words 'I'm fine' get repeated often. At one point Jig even asks if she does this, will he love her again, suggesting that she believes he won't if she does not go through with it. I feel for Jig in this moment, because for her this is not an easy decision, but she wants the man that she loves and will do anything to keep him, even if it means giving up 'everything'. 

Hemingway provides little in the way of descriptions, and almost no background, or set up for the couple. For the most part they are two nondescript vague people, but their emotions are clear and pure. We are told a story through the back and forth of the dialogue, the dichotomy of the way both Jig and her man are saying the same words but the implications behind them are completely different. This couple is at a literal and metaphorical crossroads at this train station, and we see their struggle on which path to follow, but ultimately as the reader we receive no conclusion and are left with an eternal question of where did they end up? 

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