The Role of Power Dynamics in Hills Like White Elephants

In Hills Like White Elephants, the power dynamics between the two central characters, Jig and the American man, reveal a deeper layer of tension in their relationship. Throughout the conversation, the American man’s dominance and subtle manipulation of the situation highlight the unequal power dynamic in the relationship. This power imbalance is critical to understanding their emotional distance and the underlying conflict in the story. Hemingway uses these dynamics to examine the themes of control, decision-making, and gender roles.

The American Man’s Attempt at Control

The American man exhibits clear signs of trying to control the decision-making process. Throughout their conversation, he pressures Jig into agreeing to the abortion, minimizing its emotional and physical implications. His repeated assurances that the procedure is “perfectly simple” and that it’s the best thing for their relationship reflect his desire to maintain control over the situation. He even goes as far as to suggest that their lives will return to normal after the abortion, implying that the decision is a simple matter that should be easily agreed upon. His insistence on his perspective underscores his position of authority in the relationship, attempting to manipulate the situation without fully understanding or acknowledging Jig’s feelings.

Jig’s Passive Resistance

In contrast, Jig’s responses are more passive, and she struggles to assert her perspective. Though she hints at her concerns and emotions, she never directly challenges the American man. This reflects the power imbalance in their relationship—Jig feels subjugated and unable to voice her doubts fully. Her passive resistance, including her use of indirect language and her silence, reveals her internal conflict and lack of agency in the relationship. She is caught between her desire to please the man and her own sense of doubt about the decision.

Gender Roles and Expectations

The power dynamics in the story can also be viewed through the lens of gender roles. In many ways, the American man’s behavior reflects traditional masculine expectations of rationality and dominance, while Jig is portrayed as the more emotional, passive female character. This traditional gender dynamic creates a clear disparity in their interaction, where the man believes he is making the rational decision, and Jig is expected to comply. This power imbalance reflects broader societal expectations during the time period of the story, where women were often expected to defer to male authority, especially in matters of family and reproduction.

Conclusion

The power dynamics in Hills Like White Elephants reveal the emotional and psychological tension between Jig and the American man. Through the man’s subtle manipulation and Jig’s passive resistance, Hemingway explores themes of control, gender roles, and relationship power structures. The story serves as a commentary on how these dynamics shape the characters’ choices and the emotional consequences of their decisions.