Hills Like White Elephants

A white elephant is a symbol for something that is valuable, but cannot be kept because the cost of it is out of proportion to its worth. I believe that in this story Jig (the woman) is pregnant and that the man with her wants her to have an operation which suggests he wants her to have an abortion. Jig says "I don't want anybody, but you." This refers to the fact that she doesn't want anyone else in her life at the time. If it makes the man happy, she will agree to the abortion. Jig talks about white elephants because she knows that the baby is valuable to her, but she doesn't want it if it is going to interfere with her carefree, happy lifestyle (drinking a lot, and traveling). I believe the title is "Hills Like White Elephants" because maybe the woman's stomach is like a hill, but inside is a white elephant, or baby symbolizing something valuable but not worth the pain and cost according to the man.

The setting of Spain is also an important indicator of what's going on. In the 1920s, under Vladimir Lenen, abortion was legalized. The woman in this story is known as Jig which is also a significant indication because "jig" is often used in the phrase "the jig is up" meaning its all over. Hemingway used irony here because for Jig, this should be a new beginning since she is pregnant.

I don't understand what happens at the end of the story though. Jig says, "I feel fine." Does this mean she is fine and wants the operation? Or is she too intoxicated to know what she is saying? Or is there some other meaning behind the words? Hmmm...

A Clean, Well Lighted Place

It took me several readings to finally understand Hemingway's message in this short story. This story appears to send a message about time. The younger waiter, in the story, is in a rush to get home to his family, and is the least sympathetic to the old customer who will not leave. However, the older waiter is much more patient with the lonely customer. He knows that someday, it will be he who has no place to go, and no family to see. This leads to the conclusion that you should respect your elders because they have endured many hardships, lost loved ones, and you will be in their place one day.

The younger waiter in the story assumes money is everything when he says, "He has plenty of money." He was referring to why the old customer was in despair. The young waiter is the most naive in this story. He has no idea what is yet to come for him, while the older waiter already has an idea of where his life is going. The theme is "what you are, I once was, what I am, you will surely become. This is a roman epitaph usually found carved on tombs. I believe time is what you make of it, but this also prompts the questions: Is time a constant thing or is it different for everyone? Can one person live more than another?

Hemingway also uses lots of repetition with the word "nothing". The old customer is in despair about nothing. This does not mean nothing is wrong. It means the old man has nothing to live for. In this case, nothing is everything. He is in despair about not having everything anymore. This is also an example of irony. Hemingway ends the story with the older waiter understanding more about the old customer's despair about nothing. He understands that life is full of hardship and struggle. Being a hero is accepting this fact, pulling through, and living well.

-Madison Garrett

Poem Critiques

Jack: It's true that people lose or forget what's important in life. Great job recreating a peaceful moment in your poem. I like the rhymed couplets, it gives a distinct rhythm. I also liked that you used a personal experience, it seems more real to me. Next time, maybe speak a little louder, but other than that, fantastic presentation!

Rachel: I loved your poem! Great job using the sunflower as a symbol of a carefree, happy person. Good job pointing out that people will tend to want to hang out with the happy person, who is fun to be around. It's very true. Maybe use a visual aid next time to give us something to look at and think about. Wonderful presentation and poem though!

Morgan H.: I love your title, "The Beginning of the End". You did a great job rhyming, so don't worry about it! Good use of nature as well. You, like Jack, used a personal experience, going to the lake, to help write your poem. I think that makes it so much more authentic. Good job! A visual would also enhance your presentation though!

Molly: I loved your powerpoint! Great job pointing out the poetic devices, alliteration, assonance, and imagery. I can tell you spent a lot of time thinking about this poem. I learned a lot, I would never have thought about. You are right on when you said crows can symbolize death. Next time, speak a little slower and louder, so everyone can hear you. Other than that, AMAZING. The powerpoint was a great visual that really made your presentation stand out!

Morgan G. – You had good research, and good insight to the poem. Good job seeing the hidden meanings and interpretations of the poem! You just seemed a little nervous. Next time, just be a little more confident.

Matt- You wrote great poem! I liked how you portrayed the darker side of it that showed that life isn’t all butterflies and rainbows. I liked the poem’s title. Try to have more eye contact with the audience.

Marshall- I liked the poem’s over-all meaning. It was a great job. Good presentation. Try to read with more of a rhythm and have more of a stage personality. Just be more “Marshall.”

Madison- Good job reading the poem. You made some great points that I had not thought of before. You pulled a lot of meaning out of that poem and life references. You really looked deep in the poem. Don’t worry so much about the few mistakes like those “ums” just keep going.

Reiley- I really like the poem. You had a great meaning behind it and the words really flowed well with each other. If you were to do it again, the only thing I would change would be to slow down a little bit and try to read with more of a rhythm.

Meredith- You had a lot of insightful information. I could tell you put a lot of thought into it. I liked that you pointed out specific details about the poem. I wish you had read the poem aloud.

Kaylee- I really liked the poem. You did a good job critiquing it. You had a lot of information. Try to look at the audience a little more.

Hunter- I liked the poem. You had a good thought behind it. You did a good job speaking to the audience and not to the paper. Maybe try to look more to the audience. I really liked your presentation.

Poem Project Critiques

Morgan's view of the meaning of "The Road Not Taken" was thoughtful, but I don't think she dug deep enough in her analysis. I like how she mentioned Frost's common them death and compared it to the feel of autumn. It was a good presentation overall, but speak slower next time.

Marshall's poem was very creative, and I like the fact that he challenged himself by writing more than one poem. The poem was creative in ways such as using the symbol of a bird to represent that life is fleeting and we need to enjoy it while we can. It's a good reminder to live life in the moment. He also said the bird represents that life will take you places which I feel is so true. Overall, good presentation, maybe speak a little slower next time as well. My favorite part of your poem was the way you personified frost "nipping" at your face, but also how you paid tribute to Robert Frost at the same time, very clever.

Good job guys! I can tell both of you worked really hard on your projects!