Introduction
Literary instruments play one of the most critical roles in a literary work. They perform not just a descriptive function but also contribute to creating a particular atmosphere and transmitting the central conflict of the work. As part of this work, the analysis of the works “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway and “Sex Without Love” by Sharon Olds will be carried out. The authors of the book and the poem use comparison as one of the leading literary devices, but use it in conjunction with others to convey the central message of the narrative.
Summary
“Hills Like White Elephants”
First of all, it is necessary to gain awareness of what the two analyzed works are about. “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway is one of the author’s most famous short stories about a married couple traveling from Barcelona to Madrid. The writer does not introduce his characters to the reader but only defines them as Americans and girls (Hemingway, n.d.). The further the reader goes in the narrative, the more he learns that this is not an ordinary happy couple who enjoys their trips. It quickly becomes evident that the girl is in a desperate and depressed state, and that the main reason is that the couple will have an abortion.
“Sex Without Love”
“Sex Without Love” by Sharon Olds explores how people can have sexual relationships without romantic feelings. The author asks this question, describes the most sensual interactions between people during this act, and regrets how such a close and intimate interaction can occur without love. This topic becomes central in the poem, and the author encourages the reader to think carefully about it and answer the question she poses.
Comparison
“Hills Like White Elephants”
Both works by Ernest Hemingway and Sharon Olds rely on literary works as a comparison. “Hills Like White Elephants” can be traced in the title and sets the reader up for the topic in the work. The main character says, “they look like white elephants,” considering the “line of hills, white in the sun and the country was brown and dry” (Hemingway, n.d., p. 229).
This phrase has a secret meaning, which suggests a comparison with these animals. White elephants in Thai culture “denote any burdensome, expensive, and useless possession that is much more trouble than it is worth” (“Why do we say ‘white elephant’?” 2021, para. 1). The author compares unwanted white elephants with a child whom the couple is going to get rid of.
“Sex Without Love”
“Sex Without Love” by Sharon Olds heavily relies on comparison as a literary element of her work. The author writes that they are “beautiful as dancers,” “wet as the children at birth,” and “great runners” (Olds, N.D., para. 1). This frequent use of this literary work contributes to the deepening of the transmitted picture.
The author points out the versatility and the complexity of sexual contact. She says it is impossible to interact closely with a defenseless naked human body without having any romantic feelings, such as love. Olds also compares love with a particular entity or even a person who accompanies two people and says, “the one who came there with them, light rising slowly as steam off their joined skin” (Olds, n.d., para. 1). The author uses the comparison of love to indicate its importance and value in human relations.
Conclusion
Using literary tools is an integral part of both works, which are embedded in them to address a common social problem. Despite the relatively old dates of writing, the topic under discussion is also relevant for modern society. Ernest Hemingway and Sharon Olds touch on relationships without love and show how important it is for people.
In the first case, it can be noted that the connection between an American and a girl can hardly be called love. The man seems to be trying to control her, so she does as he wishes. Olds happens to wonder how people can be together and have a sexual relationship without one of the most essential and valuable feelings for a person.
References
Hemingway, E. (n.d.). Hills like white elephants. Weber State University. Web.
Olds, S. (n.d.). Sex without love. Famous poets and poems. Web.
Why do we say ‘white elephant’? (2021). History extra. Web.