Hills like white elephants -narrative analysis by David

Limited third-person point of view

2023-12-15 11:32:19 UTC

"Hills like white elephants" is narrated in an limited third-person point of view. Hemingway's minimalistic style doesn't present the thoughts ir feelings of the characters in the story. The narrator in this story gives no to little insight into what is happening. This creates a sense of detachment and ambiguity, as the reader has to infer the meaning and emotions behind the words.

2023-12-15 11:34:01 UTC

How the narrator describes the girl

dvaroy4_ — 2023-12-15 11:35:30 UTC

The girl looked at the bead curtain.

"I don't know," the girl said.

"It tastes like licorice," the girl said and put the glass down

The girl looked across at the hills.

dvaroy4_ — 2023-12-15 11:35:37 UTC

How the narrator describes Jig, the american

dvaroy4_ — 2023-12-15 11:47:48 UTC

the man drank his beer

The man called "Listen" through the curtain

the man looked at her and at the table.

How is their relationship according to the narrator

dvaroy4_ — 2023-12-15 11:48:30 UTC

2023-12-15 11:50:42 UTC

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dvaroy4_ — 2023-12-15 11:54:53 UTC

dvaroy4_ — 2023-12-15 11:55:13 UTC

2023-12-15 11:57:46 UTC

Point of view

dvaroy4_ — 2023-12-15 12:08:33 UTC

The story alternates between the perspectives of Jig, the American man and the girl, who isn't named. The focus shifts from one to the other, even within the same paragraph, showing the contrast between their views and desires highlighting the conflict. It also reflects the power imbalance in their relationship, as the man dominates her manipulates the girl to do as he says.

Tone in the relationship

2023-12-15 12:12:13 UTC

We get a feeling of discomfort, like there’s something lurking beneath the surface of their relationship. We get this feeling because of the way they interact with each other. Her harsh and sometimes rude comments, to his cold and apathetic tone towards her.