What is the effect of the story’s minimalism? How is it achieved, and why does Hemingway choose this style? In your answer, address this short story specifically, not stories in general.

Even though abortion is never mentioned directly in this story, it is clearly what the couple are discussing. How does Hemingway communicate that to the reader without saying so directly, and why does the author use this indirection?

At the end of the story, Jig says, “There’s nothing wrong with me. I feel fine” (77). Is Jig fine at the end of the story? Can the reader be sure? Cite at least three points of textual evidence to support your claim.