“Hills Like White Elephants” is a short story about two characters in a railway station in Spain. The story focuses on a couple having an intense conversation obliquely referencing an abortion. Despite an uncertain outcome at the end, it is clear that the couple is facing an important decision affecting their lives (Fonseka 5). On the other hand, “Good People” follows two young teenagers who, in the face of an unplanned pregnancy, have their lives changed forever. The clash of opinions between the protagonists explores many complex issues related to faith and morality. Through their actions and emotions, Wallace’s characters experience both tragedy and joy, leaving readers with a lasting impact on how they think of faith-based decisions. In both stories, there are tough decision elements, especially in critical issues such as pregnancy.
The two stories explore the moral dilemma of deciding whether to keep the child or terminate the pregnancy. In “Hills Like White Elephants,” a couple conversationally weighs the pros and cons of keeping the unborn child as they wait for a train. The female protagonist, Jig, ultimately determines that no matter which choice is made, it will fundamentally change her life (Fonseka 6). In comparison, “Good People” features a young couple in similar circumstances but follows them until their actual decision is revealed. This story is unique because it highlights the nuanced emotions of fear and shame felt by both parties when a loved one judges such an intimate issue. Both stories delve into this captivating ethical quandary from different perspectives but ultimately paint a sympathetic look at how difficult such decisions can be for those faced with this issue.
Lane and Sherri, the couple in the story “Good People”, have to decide whether to keep their unborn child or terminate the pregnancy. Lane initially wants to keep the child but later decides on an abortion due to his preexisting religious beliefs. He believes it is immoral to bring a child into this world when they cannot provide for it due to their unstable financial situation. On the other hand, Sherri is strongminded to keep the baby and worries about its well-being after learning of Lane’s desire for an abortion. At that moment, she questions her own decisions on whether she will be able to take care of her baby or not (Clark 406). Eventually, both devise a resolution by deciding not to have children out of wedlock and expressing their commitment to each other.
On the same note, Jig makes multiple decisions concerning an unwanted pregnancy. As she was yet to indicate whether she intended to keep the child or has plans to terminate the pregnancy, her silence can be interpreted as her weighing up a difficult decision. She notices that they have not even discussed it properly, and her partner does not seem to be letting her make a choice (Hemingway). Ultimately, Jig appears to be trying to avoid any further pressure of making a permanent decision until she is certain of what she wants. Throughout the story, it becomes clear that although her partner is taking Jig through the same conversation repeatedly. Moreover, he seems unable to recognize the fact that, finally, it will be Jig who must make this crucial decision.
As a result, both “Hills Like White Elephants” and “Good People” explore the consequences of abortion. However, their approaches to the subject differ significantly; while “Hills Like White Elephants” focuses more on the pragmatic aspects of the decision, such as whether or not Jig will have an abortion. The man insists on an abortion, though romantically, explaining that it was the easiest way to their past lifestyle of freedom. He told Jim that with abortion, they would have the whole world (Hemingway 2). The lady remained doubtful and resistant since she viewed that pregnancy as an element that would increase togetherness between them.
Conversely, “Good People” takes a less objective view and delves into the emotions surrounding it. Lane is desperate to escape the reality of his girlfriend possibly getting an abortion. He finds it hard to be a father because he is still young. Unfortunately, since he was a Christian, abortion was never the right choice, so he promised his girlfriend he would be there for her (Clark 402). Through these two stories, the authors effectively show how varied people’s reactions may be when faced with similar difficult decisions.
In conclusion, both “Hills Like White Elephants” and “Good People” express tough decisions that need to be made when facing a tough circumstance, such as unplanned pregnancy. Although the main characters confront this challenging dilemma differently, they are ultimately faced with similar inner struggles and moral dilemmas. The stories represent an exploration of the emotions and considerations involved with making tough choices when it seems there is no right answer.
Works Cited
Clark, Robert C. “A Reverence for Untrendy Human Troubles: David Foster Wallace’s” Good People,” Ernest Hemingway’s” Hills Like White Elephants,” and American Minimalist Narration.” Amerikastudien/American Studies (2017): 397-412. Web.
Fonseka, EA Gamini. “Dissuasion Resulting in Determination: Paradox in “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway.” Web.
Hemingway, Ernest. “Hills Like White Elephants Summary & Analysis.” LitCharts, Web.
Hemingway, Ernest. “Hills Like White Elephants.” 1927.” Web.