That
the American is only referred to by his nationalityrather than by his gender (the Man) or his
professionsuggests that this is the element of his identity Hemingway most wants us to focus
upon when reading the story. As the other answers have pointed out, Hemingway is criticizing
particular elements of American culture, namely selfishness and superficiality.
The selfishness comes in the American's treatment of Jig. He regards her as a
plaything. Her pregnancy ruins this allure for him since having a baby means having to take
responsibility as a father for it. He does not want to be a father or even a good partner to
Jig. He's only in this relationship for fun and games.
Secondly, the
American is shallow. He might be traveling through Europe, but he is not a cultured man. He only
cares to try new drinks for the most part. He cares little for art or culture. Just as he does
not care about Jig's feelings or anything beyond her sex appeal for him, he has no appreciation
for what...
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