Hemingway's careful selection of the titles of the characters connotes an unbalanced relationship. The American male is called a "man" for the power and influence he has over his lover. Though she is actually an adult, Jig is described as a "girl," while the only other female character in the story, the bartender, is referred to as a "woman." The manner in which these three characters' names are used is exemplified by, "The woman brought two glasses of beer and two felt pads. She put the felt pads and the beer glass

Selfishness exhibited by the man demonstrates his disregard for the girl's feelings. He is convinced that the pregnancy is a negative occurrence, most likely due to the casual nature of their relationship and his not wanting to be tied down. He claims, "'That's the only thing that bothers us. It's the only thing that's made us unhappy'" (616). He declares this opinion for both of them, under the assumption that the abortion would result in the best outcome. Jig, however, is pondering the possibility of being happiest if they would decide to keep the child, though, she never actually voices these thoughts. She is intimidated by the man's confidence in the happiness that would result from the abortion. He reassures her that he loves her and that they can have everything afterward, yet she still is not convinced. By saying, "'...And once they take it away, you never get it back,'" Jig implies that if they choose to go through with the operation, things will never be the same between them and there will always be something missing (616). Once ag

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White Elephants, , Ernest Hemingway, submissive nature, eye contact,
Approximate Word count = 711
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)