Introduction
“Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” by Joyce Carol Oats are famous short stories with complex themes and deep meanings. Various literary techniques are used to capture readers’ attention and maintain interest from the beginning until the end. Despite the differences in setting, the stories share many similarities in terms of symbolism and the use of characters.
Moreover, both ideas have dynamics and struggle for autonomy. Nevertheless, some differences in conflicts and deeper meanings make texts unique for evaluation. Analyzing everyday things and differences makes it easier to understand the unique ways the stories are represented to readers.
Similarities in Symbolism
One significant comparison between “Hills Like White Elephants” and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” is the use of symbolism technique. Hemingway (1930) uses the “white elephant” symbol to represent the presence of unexpected pregnancy and the difficulty in the main characters’ decision-making. In this case, symbolism is a common concept used to give a different meaning by configuring language with objects and images (Allen, 2020). The symbol of “white elephants” is integrated into the story called “Hills Like White Elephants” to create an underlying tension.
Similarly, in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” Oats made a symbolic figure of Arnold Friend to show the meaning of danger in more depth (Oats, 1966). The author represents the nature of individuals who manipulate young women, which is common to the idea of Hemingway. The technique of symbolism in both stories adds more integrated meaning, which engages readers and invites them to share knowledge with others for a better understanding of the texts.
The Similarity in the Struggle for Autonomy
The second similarity between the stories is related to the dynamics and the problem of autonomy. In “Hills Like White Elephants,” the central conflict revolves around the differences in characters’ views on pregnancy and their understanding of the future. The man wants to control women’s decisions, while females actively fight for independence (Hemingway, 1930). A similar struggle is also seen in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” where the protagonist, Connie, faces aggressive acts from Arnold Friend (Oats, 1966).
Both stories raise the problem of the vulnerability of characters who should fight for autonomy. In more depth, in “Hills Like White Elephants,” the man forces a woman to have an abortion by saying: “It’s an awfully simple operation” (Hemingway, 1930). At the same time, in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” Arnold Friend controls Connie by saying: “The place where you came from ain’t there anymore, and where you had in mind to go is canceled out” (Oats, 1966). Manipulation and scare of losing control are the main characteristics of abusers presented in both stories.
Differences in Central Conflict
It is essential to mention that despite many common aspects in the described stories, differences also affect the central conflicts. The issue is mostly internal in Hemingway’s text, with many hidden subtexts and dialogues. The emotional conditions of the characters stay unspoken, and the conversations are usually tense. This technique leaves readers to interpret their unique understanding and think about the depth of the story.
Oats’ story has a clearer message where the problem of violence and manipulation is described and centered. The conflict in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” is more aggressive as it raises clear feelings of danger in readers. In “Hills Like White Elephants,” the problem is revealed only through the dialogue between the main characters, and only subtext helps to make conclusions about the operation (Hemingway, 1930). Conversely, in “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been,” the direct threat is related to Connie, and the intentions of Arnold Friend stay visible (Oats, 1966). Consequently, these two stories have different levels of clarity and availability to readers because of the conflict variation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Hills Like White Elephants” and “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been” share similar meanings in terms of symbolism and the problem of autonomy. The issues of dependency and lack of confidence to stand up for their rights play a significant role in comparing these two stories. Readers can retrieve a deep meaning and stay engaged with the texts from the beginning until the end.
Furthermore, Hemingway and Oats highlight the struggles faced by characters and the quest for personal agency. Nevertheless, the presentation of the central conflict differs in both stories as Hemingway paid more attention to the subtext and hidden meanings, and Oates presented a more available sense of the text. Overall, these stories contribute to the present society by illuminating timeless issues, themes, and issues common to readers and their lives. Deep senses in both works can raise many discussions in the real world and boost further philosophical research programs.
References
Allen, D. C. (2020). Mysteriously Meant: The Rediscovery of Pagan Symbolism and Allegorical Interpretation in The Renaissance. JHU Press.
Hemingway, E. (1930). Hills Like White Elephants. The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction 8th Edition: W. W. Norton & Company. New York, NY.
Oates, J, C. (1966). Where are you going, where have you been? The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction 8th Edition: W. W. Norton & Company. New York, NY.