Theme and Narrative Elements in the Short Story Essay - 1

Theme and Narrative Elements in the Short Story - Essay Example In examining Hemingway’s short stories one notes their poignant and powerful literary quality. This essay examines Hemingway’s short story Hills Like White Elephants, arguing that Hemingway’s utilization of the literary devices of tone and style work together to advance the story’s overarching narrative theme. Throughout Ernest Hemingway’s short story Hills Like White Elephants there is a tone that is articulated that establishes and advances the narrative theme. While it’s difficult to specifically indicate what the central narrative or plot of the story is, as Hemingway purposely doesn’t reveal this core information, one can to a large extent surmise that the couple is speaking about a potential abortion. In establishing this plot and narrative elements Hemingway explores a number of tonal qualities. One of the most pervasive such element is the use of a slightly existential or nihilistic perspective on life and the couple’s d ilemma. Early in the story Hemingway implements dialogue such as, â€Å"I wanted to try this new drink: That’s all we do, isn’t it – look at things and try new drinks?† (Hemingway). Hemingway implements this dialogic perspective to establish the story’s general tone of existential ennui. It also highlights the woman’s discontent with the general state of her existence and desire to potentially have the child.