Are there clear cultural differences between the authors and their audiences (Hemingway’s was written in 1927, whereas Wallace wrote from 1987 to 2008)?

Directions: Choose one different
question set from each one of the two stories for a response. In other
words, choose one set of questions from “Hills Like White Elephants,” and one
from “Good People,” so you have two full responses to each of the stories.

Remember,
each response should be about 150 words or more. Include a quote from each of
the stories in your response. You don’t need a Works Cited.

When
you respond to short story questions, (a) include a bit of the question in your
responses, (b) provide full sentences and no fragments, (c) write in an
organized way, (d) include meaningful quotes from the story, (e) tell which
question set you are responding to, and (f) re-read what you wrote before you
submit. Each response must be at least 150 words minimum. Do not use texting
grammar and punctuation. Avoid poor usage by avoiding the “thing” words, “get”
verbs, and “start to” phrases.

Ernest
Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants” (answer one question, except you can’t answer [d.] in Hemingway’s AND [d.]
in Wallace’s questions)

a. What is the exact setting of this story? Why do you suppose this couple in this country
at this particular train station? Point out several references to the setting
or the landscape and explain how it connects to the story’s meanings. Consider
the green, fertile valley and the dry, barren hills. Now consider the title of
the story, also referencing the setting, and whether or not it offers symbolism
to the story elements, as well.

b.
Consider the main characters in this story and why they are called the “girl
named Jig” and the “American man.” How do these designations affect your
perceptions of the characters? Why do we KNOW THEY ARE NOT MARRIED? (Some students
assume that wrongly because they’ve read bad crap sites about this story!) Why can we assume that
the girl is not European?

c.
What is the man trying to persuade the girl to do? Is this why he’s not really interested
when Jig mentions the hills? Why does this couple seem to be arguing around the
issue and trying to avoid any serious discussion about it? Based on that, what do
you assume is the nature of their relationship? Does this couple have a chance
of a future together, whether they go through with the “operation” or whether
they don’t go through with it?

d.
Discuss
how the topic of abortion is treated in Wallace’s “Good People” and Ernest
Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants.” How do the readers learn about the
topic in each story? What are the
characters’ reactions and the author’s use of descrip­tion, symbolism, and/or
intent? Is it hinted that either author appears to have a personal agenda or
bias on this topic? Are there clear cultural differences between the authors
and their audiences (Hemingway’s was written in 1927, whereas Wallace wrote
from 1987 to 2008)?

David Foster Wallace’s “Good People” (answer one
question; except, if you chose to answer [d.] for Hemingway’s story, you can’t
choose [d.] again for Wallace’s story!)

a.
Physical
traits and a person’s character are closely linked for Lane Dean—find
descriptions of the five senses in the story. Is it healthy for Lane Dean to
rely upon his senses to make judgments about people and the environment? (Five
senses include sight, hearing, taste, touching, and smelling.)

b.
Lane
Dean worries that he is a hypocrite and lacks true faith. He condemns himself
as a liar (“by omission” [par. 4]) and is concerned with maintaining Sheri’s
impression of him as “good people” (par 2). Is it odd that Lane Dean does not
condemn himself for engaging in premarital sex? What role do “sin” and
“forgiveness” play in guiding the characters’ thoughts and actions?

c.
Are the characters naïve for praying rather than talking openly, or is their
deci­sion process mature enough? Think about their refusal to use emotional
words (“for had he once said it, avowed that he did love her, loved Sheri . . .
all would have been transformed,” [par. 3]). If they are lacking ways to
discuss the matter in a grown-up way, what would an “adult approach” entail?

d.
Discuss
how the topic of abortion is treated in Wallace’s “Good People” and then in Ernest
Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants.” How do the readers learn about the
topic in each story? What are the
characters’ reactions and the author’s use of descrip­tion, symbolism, and/or
intent? Is it hinted that either author appears to have a personal agenda or
bias on this topic? Are there clear cultural differences between the authors
and their audiences (Hemingway’s was written in 1927, whereas Wallace wrote
from 1987 to 2008)?

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