Comparison and Contrast of Hills Like White Elephant and In a Station of the Metro
“Hills like white elephant,” Ernest Hemingway wrote in 1927 when modernism was at the top of its popularity. In “Hills like white elephant,” the author applies four features of modernism; the first trait that places the poem in modernism is not the use of romanticism. (Hemingway, 1956) The artist is not trying to demonstrate the ideal relationship of the couple but the relationship that is real in ordinary life. The first feature that excels in this short story is the detachment from romanticism.
At the same time, the regular communication inherent in social realism is especially noticeable in the short story. For example, the author describes a conversation on the relevant topic of abortion and demonstrates the reactions of each of the characters. Ernest Hemingway notes that the young man says, “It’s an awfully simple operation, Jig,” and the girl replies, “I know you wouldn’t mind it” (Hemingway, 1956, p. 2). Another trait of modernism in short stories is the fragmentation of time. He uses the train to monitor time and allow the story to develop, combined with another feature of modernism: the exchange of opinions and interruptions. Thus, the author wrote “Hills like white elephant” completely in the spirit of modernism.
“In a Station of the Metro” is one of the most prominent examples of modernism. As with the previous short story, the poem also deals with people’s relationships, which are described through language that is accessible and understandable to readers. It focuses primarily on the relationships of clear images through precise, accessible language. Therefore, the structure of the verse permits readers to accurately represent what the author wrote, “faces in the crowd,” and what the speaker says as a response, “petals on a wet, black bough” (Pound, 1913, p. 12). Accordingly, even considering that a poem has only 20 words, the author was capable of describing a crowded subway station with modernism.
It is also important to note that “Certain Lady” by Dorothy Parker is also written in the style of modernism. Just as in her previous works, the author used simple language to describe her feelings; she also uses sublime vocabulary when talking to a loved one. For example, the author writes, “oh, I can laugh and listen when we meet,” a normal state of being in love, described with modernism (Parker, 2002, p. 81). This element unites all three works, although the most expressive example of modernism is “Hills like white elephant”.
The Themes of the Stories in Today’s World
The theme “Hills Like White Elephants” is highly relevant these days. This is because unwanted pregnancies and women’s difficulties are still present in modern times (Hemingway, 1956). Nowadays, there are even movements about the prohibition of abortion, which limits women’s rights. “In a Station of the Metro” shows a real relationship to the stuff. The author emphasized the details that form the perception of a person (Pound, 1913). Unfortunately, there is a problem these days with people not noticing the critical details that include the overall view. In “A Certain Lady,” Parker describes a woman’s undivided love and emotions. This theme remains relevant even today, and women try to express their feelings and gain the love of men (Parker, 2002). Hence, the authors wrote about feelings and life circumstances that remain relevant even as time progresses.
References
Hemingway, E. (1956). Hills like white elephants. The Story and Its Writer, 6.
Parker, D. (2002). Complete stories. Penguin.
Pound, E. (1913). In a station of the metro. Poetry, 2(1), 12.