Symbols in "Hills Like White Elephants" by Ernest Hemingway

Introduction

The short story work of Ernest Hemingway, Hills like White Elephants does not give straightforward communications. The author uses symbolism in the entire writing to allow the readers derive; by themselves, the in-depth meaning of the story. He applies this technique for emphasis purposes and to add weight on the significances of the applied concepts. The story begins with symbolism right from the title. The symbols (imagery or allegory), which this paper discuss include; the train station and baggage, the white elephant, and the hills (Bausch 155). The literary work is the conversation between the protagonist American man and a girl whose name is Jig. These two characters are the main characters in the story. They are in a train station, having some drinks as they are waiting for the train and a conversation regarding whether Jig should abort or not emerges; as a significant step in their relationship. The various symbols in the story help the readers to have a better understanding of the conversation between the protagonist and his girl, Jig.

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The Train Station and the Baggage

Tough choices face the couples and each of them has contrary opinions regarding the abortion. The American and Jig have baggage, which has various labels representing the hotels they have booked and spent nights (Tim Akers 13). The girl does not understand Spanish, which symbolizes her helplessness and dependence on the man. The train and the baggage depict the couple's decisional challenge regarding the route they would take ultimately; going to Madrid (abortion) or away from Madrid (keeping the baby). The first description at the rail station concerns the two aspects of nature; the barren side and the fruitful side. The couple faces the side with no trees and shadows, symbolizing the death of the unborn child. The description embodies the misunderstanding, conflict, and disagreement that erupt between the couple. The train station also has the fruitful side; a side that only the lady looks at, and symbolizes the survival of the baby. Also, the two parallel rails in the rail station symbolize the possible direction the duo would take; Madrid (abortion) or away from Madrid (keeping the baby).

The White Elephant

A white elephant symbolizes something rare, valued, but difficult to keep. It represents the valued but burdensome possession of the baby. The baby is the object here, which is no longer regarded as worthy by the owner (the man) but is of esteemed value to Jig. This aspect of symbolism also reminds the readers regarding the couple's divergent views on abortion. The jig is torn between the choice of accepting or refuting the unborn. Her fear exists because of her religious values (Catholicism on abortion) and her doubt on losing her boyfriend after abortion (Tim Akers 14). The lady sees the cute and lovely white elephants, symbolizing the growing baby, whereas the man sees the lovely white hills only, that is, he does not look closely to regard what is in the swollen stomach (the baby) (Tim Akers 15).

The Hills

The scenery of the hills, as the story depicts play a significant role in understanding the ongoing situation among the couple. These hills have various meanings in the story. First, Jig says that they are like white elephants, representing Jigs belly and the unborn baby. The hills are like obstacles that the couple must overcome to achieve the life's turning point. Since the story talks about hills and not mountains, the characters are able to overcome. The unborn baby is the main obstacle in the life of the two characters, and this is the situation the two are trying to handle and live a normal life. Also, the hills can be the best viewpoint; however, the view of those in the valley becomes poor. This situation represents the opportunity that Jig sees on observing the hills and, on the other hand, the void that the man sees on looking at the hills. When the girl says that the hills are lovely and are like the white elephants, she takes her stand that she does not want an abortion. However, due to the man's selfishness, he hypocritically claims that he does not see any elephant, meaning that he requires no burden of a baby to add to their love. The lady fears that if she persists with the story of keeping the baby, the man would leave her for the disagreement. She then agrees and says that the hills are lovely and that she did not really see the elephants. Jig only tries to resolve the conflict that appertains the unwanted pregnancy, while in the reality, she knows that the hills represent challenges to overcome, the family joy to embrace, and the satisfaction of both of them.

The story is significant as it tries to address the issues of sexual morality and legalized abortions. The issue of abortion is a contemporary subject for many people. The pro-life campaigners find the procedure unethical (Kaczor 30). They include; the religious and medical groups among others. However, there are also some arguments that still argue as per the moral obligations and support the abortion. In the short story, Hemingway addresses this similar concern. He, however, looks at the case from a different aspect depicting the victims to be the subjects of abortion, usually doing it under pressure.

Works Cited

"Hills Like White Elephants." Short Stories for Students, edited by Tim Akers, vol. 6, Gale, 1999, pp. 155-172. Gale Virtual Reference Library, http://link.galegroup.com.db11.linccweb.org/apps/doc/CX2695300019/GVRL?u=lincclin_hcc&sid=GVRL&xid=6e5a9726. Accessed 27 May 2018.

Bausch, Richard, ed. The Norton anthology of short fiction. WW Norton & Company, 2015.

Kaczor, Christopher. The ethics of abortion: Women's rights, human life, and the question of justice. Routledge, 2014.