Posted: February 10th, 2023

Hills Like White Elephants Meaning

What is Hills Like White Elephants

“Hills Like White Elephants” is a short story written by American author Ernest Hemingway. The story was first published in 1927 and has since become one of Hemingway’s most famous works. Despite its brevity, “Hills Like White Elephants” is a complex story that is widely studied and analyzed. In this article, we will examine the meaning behind the story and explore the themes and symbols that Hemingway uses to convey his message.

The story takes place in Spain and follows a conversation between an American man and a woman, referred to only as “the girl.” The two are waiting for a train and discussing a difficult decision they must make. Although the conversation is never explicitly stated, it becomes clear that the man is trying to convince the woman to have an abortion. The hills in the distance, which the girl describes as “white elephants,” serve as a metaphor for the unwanted pregnancy and the burden it represents.

One of the central themes of the story is the relationship between the two characters. Throughout the story, it becomes clear that the man is the dominant figure in the relationship and that the woman is being pressured into making a decision she may not want to make. The man’s dismissive attitude towards the girl’s feelings and his constant urging for her to have the procedure highlight the power imbalance in the relationship and the way in which men often control women’s reproductive choices.

Another theme of the story is the idea of communication and the difficulty of speaking openly and honestly. The characters never mention the word “abortion,” and instead use euphemisms to describe the procedure. This reflects the societal taboo surrounding the topic of abortion and highlights the difficulty of discussing sensitive topics. The characters’ inability to communicate openly with each other serves to further exacerbate the tension in the relationship and underscores the importance of open and honest communication in resolving conflicts.

In addition to the themes of relationship dynamics and communication, “Hills Like White Elephants” is also notable for its use of symbolism. The white elephants in the story serve as a metaphor for the unwanted pregnancy and the burden it represents. In many cultures, white elephants are considered to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity, but in this story, they represent something that is unwanted and a source of tension. The train station, where the characters are waiting, can be seen as a symbol of the crossroads they are at, both physically and emotionally.

In conclusion, “Hills Like White Elephants” is a complex and multi-layered story that explores themes of relationships, communication, and the societal taboo surrounding abortion. Through its use of symbolism, Hemingway is able to convey a powerful message about the difficulty of making difficult decisions and the importance of open and honest communication. The story remains as relevant today as it was when it was first written, and its themes continue to resonate with readers around the world.

Symbolism in Ernest Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants”

Ernest Hemingway is widely considered one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. He is known for his simple and straightforward writing style and his ability to convey complex emotions through minimalistic language. One of Hemingway’s most famous works is the short story “Hills Like White Elephants.” Despite its brevity, this story is rich in symbolism and contains several underlying themes and messages. In this article, we will also examine the symbolism in “Hills Like White Elephants” and explore the ways in which Hemingway uses symbols to convey his message.

Symbols in “Hills Like White Elephants”

1. The White Elephants

The title of the story, “Hills Like White Elephants,” is the first example of symbolism in the story. The hills in the distance, which the protagonist describes as “white elephants,” serve as a metaphor for the unwanted pregnancy and the burden it represents. In many cultures, white elephants are considered to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity, but in this story, they represent something that is unwanted and a source of tension.

2. The Train Station

The train station where the characters are waiting can also be seen as a symbol of the crossroads they are at, both physically and emotionally. The station represents a moment of decision, and the characters must choose whether to continue on their current path or to take a different direction. This symbol underscores the idea that the characters are at a turning point in their lives and must make a decision that will have lasting consequences.

3. The Drinks

The drinks that the characters order and the way in which they are described are also symbols in the story. The beer is described as “cold” and “refreshing,” while the liquor is described as “absinthe.” These descriptions are significant because they reflect the characters’ emotions and their state of mind. The beer represents the man’s desire for a simple and easy solution, while the absinthe represents the woman’s longing for something more intense and profound.

4. The Umbrella

The umbrella that the woman holds is another symbol in the story. The umbrella can be seen as a symbol of protection and shelter, and its presence in the story highlights the woman’s need for security and stability. The man’s desire to convince her to have the procedure and his dismissive attitude towards her feelings only serve to further undermine her sense of security, making the umbrella all the more significant.

5. The Communication

The characters’ inability to communicate openly and honestly with each other is another symbol in the story. Throughout the story, the characters never mention the word “abortion,” and instead use euphemisms to describe the procedure. This reflects the societal taboo surrounding the topic of abortion and highlights the difficulty of discussing sensitive topics. The characters’ inability to communicate openly with each other serves to further exacerbate the tension in the relationship and underscores the importance of open and honest communication in resolving conflicts.

Themes in “Hills Like White Elephants”

Despite its brevity, the story is considered one of Hemingway’s most powerful works, due to its themes and symbols that continue to resonate with readers today. In this article, we will examine the major themes in “Hills Like White Elephants” and explore how Hemingway uses symbolism and dialogue to convey these themes.

The first and most prominent theme in “Hills Like White Elephants” is the struggle between individual desires and societal expectations. The two characters in the story, referred to only as “the man” and “the girl,” are at a crossroads in their relationship, as they are faced with a difficult decision that will impact their lives. The man is pushing for the girl to have an abortion, while the girl is unsure of what she wants to do. The story highlights the tension between the man’s desire to maintain his freedom and the girl’s desire to keep the baby. The conflicting desires of the two characters represent the broader struggle between individual needs and societal expectations.

Another theme in “Hills Like White Elephants” is the power dynamic in relationships. Throughout the story, it becomes clear that the man is the dominant figure in the relationship, and that he is trying to control the girl’s decision-making process. The man’s dismissive attitude towards the girl’s feelings and his constant urging for her to have the procedure highlight the power imbalance in the relationship and the way in which men often control women’s reproductive choices. Hemingway uses the relationship between the two characters to comment on the larger societal issue of gender roles and the unequal power dynamics that exist in many relationships.

The difficulty of communication is also a major theme in “Hills Like White Elephants.” The characters in the story struggle to communicate openly and honestly with each other, and instead use euphemisms to describe the procedure. This reflects the societal taboo surrounding the topic of abortion and highlights the difficulty of discussing sensitive topics. The characters’ inability to communicate openly with each other serves to further exacerbate the tension in the relationship and underscores the importance of open and honest communication in resolving conflicts.

In addition to these themes, “Hills Like White Elephants” is also notable for its use of symbolism. The white elephants in the story serve as a metaphor for the unwanted pregnancy and the burden it represents. In many cultures, white elephants are considered to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity, but in this story, they represent something that is unwanted and a source of tension. The train station, where the characters are waiting, can be seen as a symbol of the crossroads they are at, both physically and emotionally. The use of symbols in the story helps to reinforce the themes of individual desires versus societal expectations, power dynamics in relationships, and the difficulty of communication.

To better understand the themes and symbols in “Hills Like White Elephants,” let’s take a closer look at the dialogue and actions of the characters. The man is depicted as a controlling and dismissive figure who is focused on his own needs. He is constantly pushing the girl to have the procedure, and he is dismissive of her feelings and concerns. This is shown in the following exchange:

“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 man’s dismissive attitude towards the procedure and his insistence that it is “simple” and “not really anything” highlights his disregard for the girl’s feelings and his willingness

Need Help Writing an Essay?

Are you struggling to write a high-quality essay? Look no further! Our website offers the best essays that are tailored to meet your needs.

Our team of experienced writers is dedicated to providing you with top-notch essays that are well-researched, well-written, and error-free. We understand the importance of submitting high-quality work and we are here to help you achieve that.

We offer a wide range of essay topics to choose from, including but not limited to: education, technology, business, health, and more. Our writers are experts in their fields and are capable of providing in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on any topic.

We also understand that plagiarism is a major concern for students. That’s why we guarantee that all of our essays are 100% original and plagiarism-free. We use advanced plagiarism detection software to ensure that your essay is unique and of the highest quality.

In addition, we offer a fast turnaround time and affordable prices. We understand that students are often working on tight deadlines and that’s why we guarantee that your essay will be delivered on time. We also offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your essay.

So why wait? Order the best essays on our website today and take the first step towards achieving academic success! You will not regret it!