The Latin saying, mutatis mutandi, translates into "everything affects everything else," and this especially applies to the characterization used in Ernest Hemingways "Hills Like White Elephants." Through close examination, it is evident that the character of Jig is revealed not only through her own actions, but also through the contrasting descriptions of her surrounding environment and her subtle mannerisms. By strategically scattering these faint clues to Jigs persona though out the story, Hemingway forces the reader to overcome common stereotypes and examine ambiguous dialogue before being able to discover the round, dynamic character that is Jig.Initially, Jigs character is referred to as "the girl," (Hemingway 343) implying stereotypical attributes. Her seemingly childish dialogue and actions strengthen her two-dimensional image, and helps guide the casual reader down a misinformed path. An overly simplistic view of Jig may notice the naive overtones in affirmations such as "And if I do it youll be happy and things will be like they were and youll love me." (Hemingway 345) but would fail to see the hidden cunning and manipulative side of the statement. Jigs rounded character is revealed only when her statements are closely analyzed and placed into context. When reading the story, it is easy to miss the obvious sarcasm in statements such as "And afterward they were all so happy" (344) due to the skillful way that Hemingway hides Jigs true inner self.Jigs inner struggle is mirrored and indirectly shared with us through her contrasting environment and dialogue. The story introduces itself with the gloomy description "The hills across the valley of the Ebro were long and white. On this side there was no shade and no trees " (343) which clearly clashes with the fertile description of the opposite side, described as "fields of grain and trees along the banks of the Ebro. Far away, beyond the river, were mountains." (345) Other cont...
