SSU Theme

Connor Voelpel

Prof. Brady

EGL 102: Literature For The Soul

5/4/24

Throughout the course we had many themes and many of which were very interesting but I’d really like to use one that ended up sticking..  This one is most definitely, silence.  As we read and had fishbowls we talked about how both Hemingway and Danticat both used silence as themes.  As we may not know if it was intended or not, they made for great themes.  This theme is greatly represented in these books portrayed by the characters that are in both Hills Like White Elephants and Children Of The Sea.

In the book Hills Like White Elephants they portrayed this in the quote, “Can’t we maybe stop talking?” (Hemingway 3).  This to me is showing how in this book they are talking mainly about Abortion.  So, here is a character named Jig who’d rather be quiet than have that certain conversation.  Also, in this quote “There’s nothing wrong with me. I feel fine” (Hemingway 4).  This is showing all readers that she just wants silence because she is most likely fighting an internal battle with herself and just wants to be left alone.  

In the short story “Children Of The Sea” there are some significant quotes that definitely stood out..  That one was, ““manman whispers to papa, you can’t just let them kill her. go and give them some money like you gave them for your daughter. papa says, the only money i have left is to get us out of here tomorrow” (Danticat 16)”  This quote shows that how the parents had to keep their mouths quiet as they were traveling the following day to keep a low profile.  

All these have great significance to not only in the books but to how the reader may portray how the characters can be perceived.  Silence is a powerful weapon and if used correctly you could be in a good spot or a bad spot.  Depending on where you are and how you end up using it.