Symbolism in Short Story Hills like White Elephants

Symbolism in the "Hills Like White Elephants"

The critical issue in the story "Hills Like White Elephants" the conflict of having an abortion. The story is about the complex relationship between an American man and a girl named Jig, but the real issue cannot be formulated without inference. The word abortion is nowhere in the story and, in fact the story is all about it. Readers understand this throughout a story full of hidden meanings. Many critics have discussed the ending of the story since Hemingway leaves the readers to interpret his symbolism. Symbolism in the text is suggested by the title, the railroad tracks, and the drinks because of the couple's difficult situation and how their relationship is affected.

Hemingway uses the title "Hills Like White Elephants" to show that Jig is pregnant. The

hills are a metaphor for the chest and abdomen of a pregnant woman. "The hills across the valley of the Ebro were long and white. On this side there was no shade and no trees and the station was between two lines of rails in the sun" (Hemingway 227). This description means they are

beautiful and have been always in the same place. They represent stability in settling down with a child and illustrate pregnancy as an important thing. The hills also represent a huge obstacle to climb; symbolizing the fact that the girl's baby is a major obstacle in the couple's life, and they need to make the decision about their future. The white color of the hills resembles the innocence of an unborn child. On one hand, the hills symbolize motherhood for the girl, but for the man it is a severe and unwanted weight. On the other hand, they are barren, which signifies a conflict between the couple about an abortion. In addition, the hills and wasteland on either side of the station symbolizes possible choices, to have or not have an abortion.

The symbol of a white elephant represents an unborn child in Jig's belly. According the definition of "white elephant" in The American Heritage Dictionary it means "a rare, expensive possession that is a financial burden to maintain." The elephant is a respectful gift in Asian culture but it is a very expensive to keep, which symbolizes for the man the birth of the child, like an unwanted gift, much like a Jig's pregnancy. "The richness, complexity, and irony of the white elephants symbol increases as we see a conflict over the unborn child develop and as we recall than the actual white elephant is a rarity in nature, is considered sacred and precious, and is revered and protected" (Weeks).