Reading Log - 5

Title: Hills Like White Elephants
Text Type: Short Written Text - Short Story
Author: Ernest Hemingway

'Hills Like White Elephants' is a short story written by the talented author, Ernest Hemingway. In this text, we meet 'the American' and a girl who when we read further, she can be recognised as his girlfriend or 'Jig'. The two sharing a conversation of many things. Starting at how the hills look like white elephants, to a conversation of an operation for Jig to restore the couple's 'happiness'.

'The American' is a man who cares so much for this girl - Jig - who he is sitting, sipping on drinks alongside the train station, talking about the appearance of the hills in the distance, with him. This makes me realise that there is a time and place to just chill out. Except, a normal conversation turns into an intense talk about the girl being operated on - operation was never specified - and how the two would be happier if she went ahead with it. However, Jig isn't so sure; things may stay the same as they are at this point in time - dull. But, this man, he wants the best for his the girl sitting directly across from him, and he speaks the words I wish I could say to many people.
"'Then I'll do it. Because I don't care about me'
'What do you mean?'
'I don't care about me'
'Well, I care about you'" and I wish I could explain my care for other people, the way he does further into the text. He wants Jig to know that whatever she does, he will always be there for her and love her. I feel that the American is a clear representative of how men should properly take care of their woman. When reading this, it made me feel as though there are people in this world with kind hearts, they want the best for the ones they love, and they want to make sure they know that. I want to be one of those people. A person who wants the best for the people around me and for them to be happy.

Although 'the American' is trying his best to reassure the girl that whether she chooses to go ahead with a simple operation or not, he will still care for her, however, she is very questionable about the whole situation. She feels as though he needs her to have this procedure and immediately feels obliged to go ahead with it, only because he mentioned it. I feel that this text shares with it's audience how small things can trigger the instant thoughts. Jig only took one part of the conversation, which was negative, and jumped to conclusions, not letting 'the American' explain what he really was implying. '“And if I do it you’ll be happy and things will be like they were and you’ll love me?” “I love you now. You know I love you.” “I know. But if I do it, then it will be nice again if I say things are like white elephants, and you’ll like it?”' a short example of how he tried to change her mind. I feel like a lot of people jump to conclusions, including myself. I personally find that I never give people the chance to explain a situation which has effected me emotionally. It's as though I believe one thing and choose not to listen or learn to understand the full story. However, I have become more aware of this lately. I'm glad to have become more understanding of other's stories and opinions. Patience is a key thing in this part of the short story. 'The American' can be seen as a patient figure, putting up with his girlfriend's reactions, and still doing his very best to prove that he cares  about her and her thoughts.

I genuinely feel that this short story shows different personalities for caring about one another - in particular, 'the American'. 'The American' shares his way of loving, and being so understanding towards his frustrated girlfriend. Some people need more of that trait. A trait of great care towards others. But, what goes hand in hand with kindness such as that, comes patience. Listening to others and acknowledging their opinions. The are times when I feel as though my opinions matter, however, I don't know whether I don't speak them loud enough, or they're just plain not good enough to be heard.