Abortion

The heated issue of abortion is passionately debated both morally and ethically in our modern culture. The moral debate over abortion dates back many centuries where religious leaders decided whether the practice was acceptable. The issue of abortion suddenly changed in the 1920’s when American women obtained political power and social prominence through the establishment of the nineteenth amendment that legalized women’s suffrage. This new political power allowed women to pursue new gender roles in a male-dominated society. Ernest Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants” discusses the issue of abortion and the how the issue relates to the newly changing gender roles. He uses a simple, direct writing style to develop powerful symbolism and efficient dialogue that explores the universal themes of abortion. Through the author’s unique rhetoric, the short story directly reflects the women of the 1920’s desire to change women’s gender roles and stance on abortion in a heavily male-dominated culture.

“Hills Like White Elephants” is an interesting short story about a couple discussing the idea of abortion. Since the woman is preparing to bear a child out of wedlock, an abortion would be logical to prevent public criticism concerning their immoral affair. The abortion also would allow the lovers to continue their lavish lifestyle of traveling Europe and drinking to their hearts’ desires. However, the practice was highly illegal and utter blasphemy to the general population. Through the couple’s dialogue, an argument ensues over which lover would decide whether to pursue the abortion or not. The basic knowledge of the time period would assert that prominent decisions in relationships would always be decided by the male. On the other hand, because of the growth of women’s rights in the twentieth century, the woman believes she has the right to make the final decision. The man desires complete control over the situation and his efforts to take control are futile as the woman continually pushes them aside. The conflict over power in the relationship only concerns the man. The woman is much more concerned with the consequences of the abortion.

The woman is torn over her predicament. Refusing the abortion would ruin her lifestyle, but choosing to abort the child would place an enormous burden of guilt on her shoulders. The woman expresses her anxiety over the scenario, “I love it now but I just can’t think about it. You know how I get when I worry” (Ernest Hemmingway 747). The quote explains the woman’s pain and suffering as she struggles to make a decision. Although she clearly realizes that consuming alcohol will affect her pregnancy, her agony and despair propel her to continue to drink in order to ease her pain. The man recognizes his lover’s depression and repeatedly ensures her that he will respect her decision either way she chooses. Conversely, the man’s attitude depicts a passive aggressive nature. The man greatly favors the abortion and he consistently attempts to persuade the women without being demonstrative. The story quotes him, “You don’t have to be afraid. I’ve known lots of people that have done it” (Hemmingway 747). The consequences of the abortion would not affect him and in order to protect his way of life he must convince the woman to have the procedure. The topics of discussion concerning women’s role in a relationship and in abortion are the main focal points of the story.