The Hills Like White Elephan - Book Report/Review Example

The first to broach the subject of abortion is the American man. He begins the conversation with no pretext leading to the subject: "It's really an awfully simple operation, Jig" (3). He is attempting to convince her to go through with the operation. When he brings the subject to light, she looks at the ground. This could be seen as a struggle between the man's id and the woman's superego. He further presses her on the subject by saying "I know you wouldn't mind it, Jig. It's really not anything.

It's just to let the air in" (3). He has become pushy on the issue. Again, Jig says nothing. Not only is she submissive, but she is allowing him to bully her into a decision she is not yet ready to make. Yet, Jig's superego is still overriding the desires of the man's id. The man makes the statement that he does not want anyone else but her. He is stating very clearly that he does not want the child. She discusses that she knows what harm can come to her from having an abortion, even though he continues to claim how very simple it is.

She states "I just know things" (5). The girl's ego is utilizing defense mechanisms and her superego maintains the sense of morality in the situation. Within the dialogue, the man repeats himself by saying "I don't want you to do anything you don't want to do" (3 - 5). Even though he is bullying her into a decision, he is also pushing guilt upon her if she were to make the incorrect decision. He is giving the allusion that it is still her choice, even though his choice in the matter will dominate.

He is relying on his id and it needs to sway her actions. Later in the story, Jig stands up and looks at the scenery on the other side of the station. There is grain, trees, a river, and mountains. At this point, she is perhaps seeing the other side of the situation. Where she saw infertile, she is now seeing fertile. She could possibly be thinking about keeping the child. She lets him know that this discussion has come too late by saying "Then I'll do it. Because I don't care about me" (4). She also states "I'll do it and then everything will be fine" (4).

Again, the ego is employing self-preservation methods while the superego works to maintain the morality of her decision. In summation, this story does not give the reader all the information. The reader must become part of it and draw their own conclusions. Through the dialogue and body language of the characters, the id, ego, and superego can be utilized to gain a sense that Jig has decided not to have the abortion. The American man will need to respect Jig's decision. His id has been defeated by the woman's stronger ego and superego.