Symbolism is defined as “the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.” Nothing quite adds understanding and depth in short stories like symbolism does. A story without symbolism can make it seem empty and dull, but when an author uses symbolism, it can help weave a story together. “The Cranes” by Peter Meinke and “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway are two short stories that use symbolism to show a deeper meaning into the background of each story.
“The Cranes” is a short story about an older couple reminiscing about their life together while sitting in a car on the motionless Gulf shoreline. The reader may think it is a stereotypical love story until Hemingway reveals the true plot of the story through the characters conversation, which is the characters suicide. The unique couple in the story is symbolized by whooping cranes which are rare and nearly extinct. …show more content…
This quote about the cranes can be compared to the older couple and how they are lifelong partners. The couple is still very much in love after spending their lives together and has remained unified throughout the years. There is playful taunting towards each other, meaningful conversations, and communication in their relationship.
“Hills Like White Elephants” is a short story about a couple who is seated at the bar in a train station waiting for their train to Madrid. They have superficial conversations and bicker about little things, like the taste of the alcohol. Both talk but neither actually listens to each other’s standpoint. The man eventually gets frustrated and will say almost anything to persuade his girlfriend into getting a simple procedure, which is understood to be an abortion although it is never mentioned by name. The couple in this story appears to be separated, like rail road
“The Cranes” is a short story about an older couple reminiscing about their life together while sitting in a car on the motionless Gulf shoreline. The reader may think it is a stereotypical love story until Hemingway reveals the true plot of the story through the characters conversation, which is the characters suicide. The unique couple in the story is symbolized by whooping cranes which are rare and nearly extinct. …show more content…
This quote about the cranes can be compared to the older couple and how they are lifelong partners. The couple is still very much in love after spending their lives together and has remained unified throughout the years. There is playful taunting towards each other, meaningful conversations, and communication in their relationship.
“Hills Like White Elephants” is a short story about a couple who is seated at the bar in a train station waiting for their train to Madrid. They have superficial conversations and bicker about little things, like the taste of the alcohol. Both talk but neither actually listens to each other’s standpoint. The man eventually gets frustrated and will say almost anything to persuade his girlfriend into getting a simple procedure, which is understood to be an abortion although it is never mentioned by name. The couple in this story appears to be separated, like rail road