AHhhhhhhhhh FINALS!

Finals this year are going to be a piece of cake. All I have to study for is for Psychology and Physics. Math and English are easy. Anyways Today discussion for Hills of White Elephants was interesting. I like how everyone vies the girl as annoying, but they do not see the guy in the story for what he really is. He may have told her not to have the surgery if she did not want to, but he kept pushing it on her and telling her it was easy. He is not very sensitive at all. The girl in the story had this sarcasm that I just could not shake off. I think they should not be together. She wants the baby, but he does not.

Comments

[Colin Michael P.]

Finals are so-so for me this year. Not too stressful, but definitely not easy. I thought both of the characters in the story were pretty immature. They argue back and forth, not really considering the other's point of view. The man is insensitive and the woman isn't so willing to "abort" her soon-to-be motherhood. Whether or not to have an abortion is a tough decision that the mother should really think about and the father should support her. I understand that the man in the story is pretty set on not having the baby, because it is a huge life-change, but I think we would all agree he should have gotten his point across another way.

[TrishK.]

Finals are going to be terrible for me this semester! Is anyone else terrified about the AP physchology final?? Cause I am...other than that the should be ok. I know I am writing the whole King lear essay this weekend, so hopefully the rest of the english final wont be too bad. Well all I know is im sick of high school and ready for college.

[Camille Gebert]

I'm jealous of your confidence with finals, Shecarra. I've never been more worried and stressed out. But on another note, I thoroughly enjoyed "Hills Like White Elephants", and I enjoyed out discussion in class. I thought it was so interesting how different people could interpret the same short story. Kitty and Sam both touched on very notable points- it's all about how you read the character, how much sarcasm you used when the woman is speaking. Also, for all we know, this story might not even be about abortion- however, from our analysis in class, most of us agreed that it was. I agree with the fact that the man in this story was utterly insensitive, voicing his opinion in a non-supportive, almost agressive way. I'm still undecided in the position and feelings of the woman, because it's all about how you read her character. Regardless, the story touches on the "touchy" topic of abortion, opening our eyes to the reality of what a big deal it is.

[robinh]

Ummmm, first of all, I hate how my group is taking the rap for this 'not sympathizing for the girl enough.' I never said anythign about that and I feel truly wronged. I'm joking of course, but I do think the girl's sarcasm is rather rude and annoying. How is any guy supposed to talk to her when she acts like sucha child? They both need to grow up and make a decision about this child... and next time use a condom.

[Rachel M.]

In regards to Colin's comments in particular- if the couple were arguing about any other topic, it would indeed seem that both characters were being immature. However, due to the fact that the actual opperation they're discussing involves the woman's body, and would eliminate something she is currently carrying inside of her, I think the decision largely rests upon her. I know it was not her baby alone, and the man does indeed have a right to take part in the decision and future of the baby, it is ultimately up to him to stand by and let the woman make the final decision. The man, upon seeing even the slightest hesitation, should have stopped pressuring her, and let her come to her own decision. Throughout the story, he is being mainpulative with his words, making it seem as if he is letting her decide, when really, he is making it clear that the baby would ruin their relationship. He is, in a sense, forcing her to chose between him and the baby. Although it is left unknown, I am inclined to believe that she will chose him, a decision she may regret the rest of her life, considering who clearly she seems to want the baby.