- Written in 1929
- Ingenious symbolism
- Powerful dialogue
- Iceburg theory
2. Plot summary:
- Jig is pregnant
- Takes place in Spain
- 40 mins
- The American and Jig are waiting for the train at the train station while drinking beer.
- Conversation quickly turns to an operation the American wants Jig to undergo.
- We comprehend that the operation is abortion because of certain sentences like :« But I don't want anybody but you»
- Jig tries to give arguments against the abortion, but the American stays impassive
- Jig finally consents with the argument that she doesn't care about herself and tries to drop the subject.
- The American still tries to convince Jig, because he is unsure that she is completely sure.
3.Themes and recurring elements:
- Abortion
- Alcohol
- Romantic relationships
- Responsibility vs Hedonism ( total pleasure)
- The beer symbolismes the disagreement between the two people, so they try to pass the time and the unease with drinking.
- The white elephant could mean for the American an unuseful and additional cost, while Jig can see it as a wonderful addition to her life.
- The white elephant could also mean the emotional neglect Jig is experiencing. She is the American's white elephant: useless, but there to boast his pride.
4.Symbolism and setting:
- Jig is a dance, slang for sex = object
- White elephant= baby for the man
- Number 2 = two felt pads, bags, drinks, tracks, people ( 3 is a crowd)
- White elephant: expense for American, tries to convince her abortion is best, will resolve all their problems and is very simple.
- Train station divides the fertile land and the barren land: Two choices in life, different understanding of the problem. Division between the couple.
- Jig means sexual intercourse, is her pet name : viewed as an object by the American , only a tool.
5. Dialogue:
- Indicates resentment and unease
- Jig is distant, submissive, the American is rational.
- tone and pattern indicates deeper problem than what we see on the surface.
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