Teaching Hemingway and Gender: A Case Study of "Hills Like White Elephants"

Ernest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" is a classic example of how gender can be taught through the analysis of literature. The story is about a man and a woman who are having a conversation about whether or not to have an abortion. The man is in favor of the abortion, while the woman is hesitant. The story is told from the woman's point of view, and it is clear that she is struggling with the decision. She is afraid of what will happen if she has the abortion, but she is also afraid of what will happen if she does not have the abortion.

Teaching Hemingway and Gender

by Melissa Everett

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2319 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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The story can be used to teach about gender in a number of ways. First, it can be used to teach about the ways in which gender power dynamics shape relationships. The man in the story is clearly in a position of power over the woman. He is the one who makes the decision about whether or not to have the abortion, and he does not seem to take the woman's feelings into account. This is a common example of how gender power dynamics can play out in relationships.

Second, the story can be used to teach about the ways in which gender roles are constructed. The man in the story is portrayed as being strong and decisive, while the woman is portrayed as being weak and indecisive. This is a common example of how gender roles are often constructed in society. Men are often seen as being the strong and rational ones, while women are often seen as being the weak and emotional ones.

Third, the story can be used to teach about the ways in which gender inequality can affect people's lives. The woman in the story is clearly suffering from the effects of gender inequality. She is afraid to make her own decisions, and she is afraid of the consequences of her actions. This is a common example of how gender inequality can affect people's lives.

The story "Hills Like White Elephants" is a valuable resource for teaching about gender. It can be used to teach about gender power dynamics, gender roles, and gender inequality. The story is also a powerful example of how literature can be used to explore important social issues.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the story "Hills Like White Elephants" portray gender power dynamics?
2. How does the story portray gender roles?
3. How does the story explore the issue of gender inequality?
4. What are some of the ways in which the story can be used to teach about gender?
5. What are some of the challenges of teaching about gender using literature?

Resources

• Teaching Hemingway and Gender
• Teaching Gender
• Teaching About Gender Equity and LGBTQ Issues

Teaching Hemingway and Gender

by Melissa Everett

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2319 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	256 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE