Introduction
“The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin and “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway will be discussed in this essay. The two stories from these renowned authors were written close to the beginning of the twentieth century, placing them within the same political influences of the past. They explore the topic of the position of women in a relationship at the beginning of the twentieth century from a different point of view, which adds value to their joint analysis. This essay provides a comparison of these two stories, exploring the similarities and differences in the authors’ approach to the issue to show that the nature of this interaction was toxic for women.
Main body
The misunderstanding is apparent in both stories, and the authors emphasize this fact. The inability of Jig’s partner to follow through with her implications tires her to the point when she simply asks the American to stop talking (Hemingway 232). In Chopin’s story, the reason for Louise’s abrupt death was a swift change in her emotional state that caused her heart condition to worsen (Chopin 2). However, the conclusion of doctors is cruelly ironic, as they explained it as sudden joy, while, in truth, it was the rapid loss of it. Both authors make this fact clear to a reader, while the characters of the stories are left in ignorance.
To truly comprehend the intention of these stories, it is essential to explore the range of emotions experienced by Jig and Louise. In Chopin’s story, Louise expresses her relief, stating that “there would be no powerful will bending hers,” as she realizes that with the death of her husband, she can live for herself (2). The author discusses the fact that love might not be worth it if its cost is a sacrifice of one’s self-identity. In Hemingway’s plot, this notion is less clearly stated, although it remains at the surface. Through Jig’s words, the author shows the failure of such a relationship when she concludes that “that’s all we do, isn’t it—look at things and try new drinks” (230). Her dismissal is the final attempt to prevent this irritating dialogue, and it points toward an inevitable breakup.
Both Hemingway and Chopin approach the topic of the communication barrier between men and women from the position of criticism. Dialogues in the stories provide a contrast in connotation for a reader to notice, although their role in the final delivery of the author’s point differs. In Hemingway’s work, Jig always replies to the American in short sentences, trying to finish the conversation as quickly as possible. In turn, Chopin does not provide a significant amount of direct speech yet reveals that Louise assured her sister that she was fine (2). Her words bear little significance as well, as she is assumed to be in a state of grief, which leads to an improper assumption that she died from newfound joy as her husband arrived home.
The source of tragedy shows differences between the stories. Chopin begins the description of Louise by foreshadowing her demise due to “a heart trouble” (1). However, the tragic news of her husband’s death has the opposite effect, causing her to experience immense joy. Instead, her life ends abruptly due to the loss of this joy. In Hemingway’s story, nothing is pointing toward the reason for dissatisfaction. However, it is revealed that the American insists on the necessity of the operation, which is not directly named in the text but appears to be an abortion. The jig is put into a position where she loses despite the outcome of her dialogues with her partner.
The primary difference between these stories is the implied history of the female characters and the contrast brought by the incidents that lie at the core of their plots. In “The Story of an Hour,” the author reveals that the relationship between Louise and Brently was far from idyllic, and she did not love him with all her heart (2). The incident described in the story brings her relief and happiness. At the same time, in “Hills Like White Elephants,” the past relationship between Jig and the American seemed to be perfectly fine (Hemingway 230). However, the implied abortion causes this relationship to waiver, and the choice leaves Jig miserable either way. Her dismissive attitude is a symptom of potential depression shortly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Hemingway and Chopin have shown the crucial flaws of the views on the position of women in the society of that time. The authors of the stories explored the topic of relationships between men and women and the importance of emotional intelligence and the necessity of clear communication. Moreover, the issue of an emotional rift between two genders is highlighted in both stories, as their authors emphasized misunderstanding and misinterpreting the feelings of women. The problem of toxic communication in romantic relationships remains actual nowadays, and these two stories can provide a crucial insight into women’s views on the situation.
References
Chopin, Kate. The Story Of An Hour. Vogue, 1894.
Hemingway, Ernest. Hills Like White Elephants. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1927.