Comparison and Contrast of 'Hills Like White Elephants' and 'The Nightingale and The Rose'

Introduction

My main idea is to compare and contrast the following three literary elements: settings, symbols, and theme, of the two short stories read in class, "Hills Like White Elephants" and "The Nightingale and The Rose".

Comparison and Contrast of "Hills Like White Elephants" and "The Nightingale and The Rose"

"Hills Like White Elephants" is a short story written by Ernest Hemingway, published in 1927. The story takes place in Spain, the Valley of the Ebro, at a train station. Why does Hemingway establish the story at a train station? Because he wants us to understand that the relationship is at a turning point. This station is a stopping point between Barcelona and Madrid, and when the train arrives, the passengers will have to decide which way they want to go, mirroring the relationship's uncertainty. Furthermore, the contrast between the two parts of the valley symbolizes the decision the girl has to face about whether to have the baby or not.

"The Nightingale and The Rose" is a short story written by Oscar Wilde, published in 1888. Almost all of the story unfolds in three different locations. The first is the center of a grassy plot, where the white rose is seen. The second location is around the old sun-dial, where the yellow rose is found. The third is beneath the young student's window, where, when day breaks, he opens the window and sees the beautiful red rose.

Symbolism in Both Stories

Both "Hills Like White Elephants" and "The Nightingale and The Rose" employ symbolism to represent deeper meanings. The use of symbolism is one of the best ways to evoke emotions and convey meanings, allowing readers to interpret the stories more profoundly. In both stories, we encounter various symbols which I will elaborate on below.

In "Hills Like White Elephants," the most significant symbols include:

• The Hills: The hills, which the girl compares to white elephants, symbolize the shape of a pregnant woman's belly. This imagery reflects the core issue of the story.
• The Train: The train is symbolic because it only travels in one direction. In this context, it represents the girl's choice; once she decides to have the abortion, there is no turning back.
• The Drinks: The drinks serve as another symbol related to the abortion because alcohol can affect a baby, reflecting the underlying tension and decision.
• The White Elephants: According to Dictionary.com, a white elephant is "a possession that is unwanted by its owner." Hemingway uses this to refer to the baby as an unwanted responsibility.

In "The Nightingale and The Rose," Wilde uses symbolism to encourage readers to derive deeper meanings:

• The Red Rose: Traditionally associated with love and romance, the red rose initially symbolizes the student's love for the girl. However, as the story progresses, the rose's meaning shifts, representing sacrifice and unappreciated love.
• The Silk: Symbolizes the girl's materialism and superficiality, as she values material wealth over genuine emotion, similar to her treatment of the rose.
• The Dusty Book: Appears at the end when the student rejects love and returns to his studies, symbolizing the abandonment of emotional pursuits for intellectual endeavors.

Themes in Both Stories

Both stories present differences and similarities in their themes. On one hand, "Hills Like White Elephants" revolves around a conversation at a train station in the Valley of Ebro, Spain, between the American man and his girlfriend. The American man, frustrated and determined, tries everything to convince his girlfriend to undergo the operation, which is understood to be an abortion. The girl, undecided about her choice, briefly agrees to the abortion just to make him stop talking. However, this does not silence his persistence. Ultimately, she pleads with him to stop discussing it, making him realize the gravity of what he is asking.

On the other hand, "The Nightingale and The Rose" explores two main themes: love and sacrifice, ultimately revealing a moral lesson that Wilde wanted to convey. Love is often associated with danger and sacrifice, and it does not always triumph. The theme of sacrifice is particularly evident in the character of the Nightingale, who gives her life for the student's love, only for it to be unappreciated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both "Hills Like White Elephants" and "The Nightingale and The Rose" masterfully use setting, symbolism, and theme to convey complex emotions and narratives. While Hemingway presents a more subtle, dialogue-driven story about choice and consequence, Wilde crafts a poignant tale of love and sacrifice, highlighting the often-unrewarded nature of true devotion. Through these stories, readers are invited to explore the depths of human emotion and the intricate interplay of personal decisions and their broader implications.

References

• Hemingway, E. (1927). Hills Like White Elephants.
• Wilde, O. (1888). The Nightingale and The Rose.
• Dictionary.com. Definition of white elephant. Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com