Narrative Techniques: Dialogue~Hills Like White Elephants

"It’s really an awfully simple operation, Jig,’ the man said. ‘It’s not really an operation at all.’

‘I know you wouldn’t mind it, Jig. It’s really not anything. It’s just to let the air in.’

The girl did not say anything."

In the dialogue between the man and Jig, what does the man's reassurance about the operation reveal about his perspective on it?

• He considers the operation significant and life-changing.

• He downplays the significance of the operation to ease Jig's concerns.

• He is indifferent and unconcerned about the operation.

• He is enthusiastic about the idea of the operation.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.7.1

"It’s really an awfully simple operation, Jig,’ the man said. ‘It’s not really an operation at all.’

‘I know you wouldn’t mind it, Jig. It’s really not anything. It’s just to let the air in.’

The girl did not say anything."

How does the dialogue, particularly the man's statement, "It's just to let the air in," contribute to the story's overall sense of ambiguity and underlying tension?

• It clarifies the purpose of the operation.

• It adds a humorous element to the conversation.

• It heightens the tension by avoiding direct discussion.

• It signifies the urgency of the situation.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

"It’s really an awfully simple operation, Jig,’ the man said. ‘It’s not really an operation at all.’

‘I know you wouldn’t mind it, Jig. It’s really not anything. It’s just to let the air in.’

The girl did not say anything."

Explore the unspoken communication in the dialogue, especially when the girl "did not say anything." What does this silence imply about the characters' relationship and the topic at hand?

• Agreement and understanding

• Confusion and misunderstanding

• Resistance and reluctance

• Indifference and apathy

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

"It’s really an awfully simple operation, Jig,’ the man said. ‘It’s not really an operation at all.’

‘I know you wouldn’t mind it, Jig. It’s really not anything. It’s just to let the air in.’

The girl did not say anything."

In the dialogue, identify instances where the characters use euphemisms or indirect language to discuss the operation. How does this contribute to the story's themes?

• It enhances the clarity of communication.

• It adds humor to the conversation.

• It creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.

• It reflects the characters' discomfort with the topic.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

"It’s really an awfully simple operation, Jig,’ the man said. ‘It’s not really an operation at all.’

‘I know you wouldn’t mind it, Jig. It’s really not anything. It’s just to let the air in.’

The girl did not say anything."

Note the use of repetition in the dialogue, such as the repetition of "It's really." How does this repetition affect the tone and mood of the conversation?

• It creates a sense of urgency and tension.

• It emphasizes the simplicity and insignificance of the operation from their perspective.

• It adds a rhythmic quality to the dialogue.

• 1. It suggests the complexity of the characters' emotions.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.1

How does the setting and the dialogue work together to reinforce the story's theme of choice and consequence?

• The setting emphasizes the characters' limited options, enhancing the significance of their choices.

• The dialogue downplays the importance of the characters' choices, minimizing the impact of their decisions.

• The setting has no impact on the theme of choice and consequence in the story.

• The dialogue explicitly explains the consequences of the characters' choices.

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CCSS.RL.5.3

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CCSS.RL.9-10.3

In the absence of direct communication, what role does the dialogue play in conveying the power dynamics within the relationship?

• It demonstrates the equality and mutual respect between the characters.

• It suggests a struggle for control and influence.

• It highlights the characters' shared decision-making process.

• It signifies a harmonious and supportive partnership.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

"The girl looked at the bead curtain, put her hand out and took hold of two of the strings of beads.

'And we could have all this,' she said. 'And we could have everything and every day we make it more impossible.'

'What did you say?'

'I said we could have everything.'

'No, we can't.'

'We can have the whole world.'

'No, we can't.'

What does the girl mean by saying, "And every day we make it more impossible" in the context of the dialogue?

• The girl is expressing regret about their past decisions.

• The girl is hopeful about their future possibilities.

• The girl is acknowledging the increasing challenges in their relationship.

• The girl is referring to the simplicity of their current lifestyle.

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CCSS.RI.8.1

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CCSS.RL.9-10.2

'I said we could have everything.'

'No, we can't.'

'We can have the whole world.'

'No, we can't.'

'We can go everywhere.'

'No, we can't. It isn't ours any more.'

'It’s ours.'

'No, it isn't. And once they take it away, you never get it back.'"

Analyze the man's response, "'No, we can't. It isn't ours any more.'" How does this line contribute to the theme of lost opportunities and irreversible decisions?

• The man believes they can still reclaim what they've lost.

• The man acknowledges the permanence of their current situation.

• The man dismisses the significance of their past choices.

• The man is hopeful about the potential for a better future.

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CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6