Symbolisim in "Hills Like WHite Elephants" written by Ernest Hemingway
Unwanted Gift
The story "Hills Like White Elephants" written by Ernest Hemingway tells of a dysfunctional couple on the verge of making a life altering decision. Hemingway provides no direct insight about the character's circumstances; only through the use of symbolism within their dialogue is the true meaning portrayed. There is a theme of arrogance and irresponsibility present throughout the duration of the story.
The setting is crucial for the reader to be able to understand the conversation between the couple. The story begins with the young couple referred to as "the American" and the girl waiting at a train station in rural Spain in the 1920s. The train station is significant because it causes a brief stop in the couple's journey; in the same nonchalant way they view the girl's pregnancy. The train symbolizes the decision they are trying to make. If they choose to have the baby, their lives will go a completely different direction than if they choose to have an abortion. Hemingway also elaborates on the scenery outside of the station that is divided by the Ebro River. "The hills across the valley of the Ebro were long and white. On this side there was no shade and no trees" (75). This side of the river would represent the emptiness and loss the girl would experience if she chose to have an abortion. "Across, on the other side, were fields of grain and trees along the banks of the Ebro"(77). This symbolizes the fertility and life that a baby would bring to the girl.
The couple is said to only have their suitcases with them indicating they have no roots and are leisurely traveling from place to place in search of a good time. They are casually drinking beer and trying new drinks while awaiting the...
More Ernest Hemingway
essays:
Elephants standing on a Hill (a critique on Ernest Hemingway's story Hills Like White Elephants, includes quotes)
... white elephant". Ernest Hemingway's fictional story, Hills Like White Elephants, carries a strong underlying meaning between the two characters, the conflicting views on what to do with their problem, which is an unexpected pregnancy and the thoughts of an abortion ...
Relationship in "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway
... Ernest Hemingway story "Hills like White Elephants" is, to me at least, a mysterious story, brief and ambiguous. A conversation takes place between a couple about the objectionable subject of handling an unwanted pregnancy, however, it is likely that ...
"Hills Like White Elephant" by Ernest Miller Hemingway.
... Ernest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" touches on an issue that human has been facing since Adam and Eve, which are communication problems in a relationship between a man and a woman. Here, he tells his story through ...
The Symbolism of the Setting in "Hills Like White Elephants" by Hemingway
... In Ernest Hemingway's story 'Hills Like White Elephants' an American couple is sitting at a table in a train station in Spain. They are discussing beer, travel, and whether or not to have an abortion. The train station and ...
"Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemmimgway.
... that as an advantage to make her see his perspective. The short story "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway, allows us to observe the relationship between two individuals and their interaction with each other ...
"One man's trash is another (wo)man's treasure": Hemingway's, Hills Like White Elephants
... In Ernest Hemingway's, "Hills Like White Elephants", the dialogue used by the characters allows readers to understand how manipulative and knieving people can be when they feel their way of life is in jeopardy. A white elephant is ...
The role of women in society according to Ernest Hemmingway's "Hills like White Elephants", Steinbeck's The "Chrysanthemums", and James Joyce's "Eveline."
... her. The short story, Hills Like White Elephants, shows problems in a relationship and a lack of communication between the couple. Basically ... her energy into her chrysanthemums instead of her marriage. In Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" the reader is introduced to Jig. Jig is a woman who ...
Hillsl like white elephants, by Ernest Hemingway , analysis of content and style
... Hills Like White Elephants, a widely anthologized and much-discussed story, offers a glimpse at spare prose and understated dialogue that represents Hemingway's mastery of style. The story is told entirely through dialogue in a conversation between a young woman ...