Search
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/hills-like-white-elephants-by-ernest-hemingway/dilemma
Activity Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Rubric
Activity Overview Accordion Arrow

Activity Overview


Often in literature, characters have to make important choices, even when the outcomes are equally unpleasant. This is called a dilemma, and many students will be able to identify with being stuck “between a rock and a hard place”, much like characters are in their various conflicts in a story. Have students analyze the dilemma the Jig is facing as they read and speculate on the potential outcomes of the her choice. Have them incorporate their findings into a storyboard like the example below.


Introduction

The American man wants Jig to have an abortion so they can go back to their normal lives of traveling and drinking and being carefree. Jig is hesitant, but seems to acquiesce because she wants to make him happy. However, she knows that her decision is complicated, and she finds herself in a dilemma.


Problem 1

If Jig has the abortion, she and the American man will go back to their carefree lifestyle, but something will be broken between them. She knows they will never be as happy as they were before, and they will probably continue to drift apart.


Problem 2

If Jig has the baby, the American man will be unhappy and she will likely lose him or feel guilty for not having the abortion. They will lose their carefree lifestyle, and having a baby is a lifetime commitment.



Template and Class Instructions Accordion Arrow

Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that analyzes a dilemma that a character is facing in "Hills Like White Elephants".


  1. Identify the problem and depict it in the "Introduction" cell.
  2. Show and discuss the character's possible choices under "Problem 1" and "Problem 2".

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaUtah

Rubric Accordion Arrow

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Dilemma Rubric
Exemplary
25 Points
Proficient
21 Points
Commendable
17 Points
Try Again
13 Points
Choice of Scenes
Accurately depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma.
Mostly depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma.
Vaguely depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma.
Barley or does not depict the scenes that show the character's main dilemma.
Captions
Captions are accurately related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very easy to understand.
Captions are mostly related to the dilemma and story. The connections are easy to understand.
Captions are vaguely related to the dilemma and story. The connections are not easy to understand.
Captions do not relate well to the scenes, or are not related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very hard to understand.
Characters
The main characters are accurately and clearly identified. Their actions are well matched to their actions in the story.
The main characters are mostly clear and identified. Their actions are mostly matched to their actions in the story.
The main characters are vaguely defined or identified. Their actions are somewhat matched to their actions in the story
The main characters are lacking clarity or are not identified. Their actions are poorly matched to the story.
Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar
There are no spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.
There are some spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.
There are many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.
There are too many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.


Activity Overview


Often in literature, characters have to make important choices, even when the outcomes are equally unpleasant. This is called a dilemma, and many students will be able to identify with being stuck “between a rock and a hard place”, much like characters are in their various conflicts in a story. Have students analyze the dilemma the Jig is facing as they read and speculate on the potential outcomes of the her choice. Have them incorporate their findings into a storyboard like the example below.


Introduction

The American man wants Jig to have an abortion so they can go back to their normal lives of traveling and drinking and being carefree. Jig is hesitant, but seems to acquiesce because she wants to make him happy. However, she knows that her decision is complicated, and she finds herself in a dilemma.


Problem 1

If Jig has the abortion, she and the American man will go back to their carefree lifestyle, but something will be broken between them. She knows they will never be as happy as they were before, and they will probably continue to drift apart.


Problem 2

If Jig has the baby, the American man will be unhappy and she will likely lose him or feel guilty for not having the abortion. They will lose their carefree lifestyle, and having a baby is a lifetime commitment.



Template and Class Instructions

(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)



Student Instructions

Create a storyboard that analyzes a dilemma that a character is facing in "Hills Like White Elephants".


  1. Identify the problem and depict it in the "Introduction" cell.
  2. Show and discuss the character's possible choices under "Problem 1" and "Problem 2".

Lesson Plan Reference

Switch to: Common CoreArizonaCaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIowaKansasMarylandMassachusettsNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkNorth CarolinaOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaUtah

Rubric

(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)


Dilemma Rubric
Exemplary
25 Points
Proficient
21 Points
Commendable
17 Points
Try Again
13 Points
Choice of Scenes
Accurately depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma.
Mostly depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma.
Vaguely depicts the scenes that show the character's main dilemma.
Barley or does not depict the scenes that show the character's main dilemma.
Captions
Captions are accurately related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very easy to understand.
Captions are mostly related to the dilemma and story. The connections are easy to understand.
Captions are vaguely related to the dilemma and story. The connections are not easy to understand.
Captions do not relate well to the scenes, or are not related to the dilemma and story. The connections are very hard to understand.
Characters
The main characters are accurately and clearly identified. Their actions are well matched to their actions in the story.
The main characters are mostly clear and identified. Their actions are mostly matched to their actions in the story.
The main characters are vaguely defined or identified. Their actions are somewhat matched to their actions in the story
The main characters are lacking clarity or are not identified. Their actions are poorly matched to the story.
Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar
There are no spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.
There are some spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.
There are many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.
There are too many spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors.


How Tos about Narrator’s Dilemma in \"Hills Like White Elephants\"

1

How to Facilitate a Class Discussion on Character Dilemmas

Encourage students to openly share their thoughts about character decisions. Use open-ended questions to prompt deeper thinking, such as 'What would you do in Jig's place?' and 'Why do you think the character feels this way?'. This builds empathy and helps students connect personally to the text.

2

Guide students to cite textual evidence for their opinions

Ask students to support their ideas with direct quotes or specific passages from the story. Model how to find and reference key lines that reveal character motivations or conflicts. This strengthens reading comprehension and critical analysis skills.

3

Create a safe space for multiple perspectives

Set clear norms for respectful dialogue and remind students that there are often no 'right' answers in literary analysis. Encourage listening and building on each other's responses to foster a thoughtful classroom environment.

4

Connect dilemmas in literature to real-life situations

Invite students to brainstorm similar dilemmas people face outside of literature. Relate the story’s themes to personal experiences or current events, making the lesson more meaningful and relevant.

5

Wrap up with a reflective writing prompt

Assign a short writing activity where students reflect on what they learned about dilemmas and decision-making. Prompt them to consider how analyzing characters' choices can inform their own thinking and empathy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Narrator’s Dilemma in \"Hills Like White Elephants\"

What is the narrator’s dilemma in "Hills Like White Elephants"?

The narrator’s dilemma in "Hills Like White Elephants" centers on Jig’s difficult choice between having an abortion to please the American man or keeping the baby and facing potential loss of their relationship and lifestyle. Both options have significant emotional consequences.

How can students analyze a character’s dilemma in literature?

Students can analyze a character’s dilemma by identifying the choices the character faces, exploring possible outcomes, and discussing the emotional and practical impacts of each decision. Visual tools like storyboards can help organize and present their analysis.

What are the possible outcomes of Jig’s choice in "Hills Like White Elephants"?

If Jig chooses abortion, she and the American man may resume their carefree lifestyle, but their relationship could suffer and never be the same. If she keeps the baby, they risk losing their freedom and possibly their relationship, facing lifelong changes.

What is a good classroom activity for teaching dilemmas in literature?

A useful activity is to have students create a storyboard that outlines a character’s dilemma, details the possible choices, and predicts potential outcomes. This helps students deepen their understanding of conflict and decision-making in stories.

Why is the dilemma in "Hills Like White Elephants" significant for high school students to study?

The dilemma in "Hills Like White Elephants" is significant because it explores complex themes like relationships, personal choice, and consequences—topics that resonate with high school students and foster critical thinking about real-life decisions.




Testimonials

“By using the product, they were so excited and they learned so much...”
–K-5 Librarian and Instructinal Technology Teacher
“I'm doing a Napoleon timeline and I'm having [students] determine whether or not Napoleon was a good guy or a bad guy or somewhere in between.”
–History and Special Ed Teacher
“Students get to be creative with Storyboard That and there's so many visuals for them to pick from... It makes it really accessible for all students in the class.”
–Third Grade Teacher
*(This Will Start a 2-Week Free Trial - No Credit Card Needed)
https://www.test.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/hills-like-white-elephants-by-ernest-hemingway/dilemma
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office