Hills Like White Elephants Symbolism Essay

In Ernest Hemingway’s, “Hills Like White Elephants” symbolism is used throughout the story to give a better understanding of the decision the couple has to make. In the story symbolism is used to better explain that the couple is actually talking about having an abortion and going their separate ways; rather than just a couple waiting for their train with a few drinks. The setting of the story is placed in Ebro, Spain. At the beginning of the story the setting is at a train station in Ebro. By setting the story at the train station, Hemingway uses symbolizes the couple's relationship is at a crossroad. The girl points out how the hills on one side of the train station looked like white elephants. On the other hand, the other side of the train …show more content…
The contrast of the white hills and the barren valley symbolize the differences between the decision of having or not having an abortion. By comparing the hills that look like white elephants to the baby it could also refer back to the phrase “the elephant in the room” which is a topic nobody wants to talk discuss. This can be proved by the symbolism of how the couple drinks to avoid talking about their problems. As the reader keeps reading the story changes pace when the woman implies that all the couple ever does is try new drinks as to avoid each other. This opens the mind and gives the reader an idea of conflict or problem in the couple’s relationship. As soon as the couple arrives at the train station they begin drinking making it seem like they are avoiding not only each other, but their problems in their relationship also. As soon hi ias the couple begins talking about the hills looking like white elephants again, the girl request to order more drinks. Again, avoiding addressing the problems they have. After the drinks were ordered they get back on the topic. As the girl is torn in two over the heart wrenching decision, she makes her way down to the end of the