Ernest Hemingway’s short story “Hills Like White Elephants” tells a vague dialogue between an American couple. The conversation takes places at a train station in Spain, where the scenery is hilly and full of many symbols. As the couple waits for the train to arrive, they discuss alcohol, travel, and possibly having an abortion. Ernest Hemingway uses symbolism throughout “Hills Like White Elephants” to help portray the overall theme of the story. Ernest Hemingway uses representations to help create a world that the couple live in without saying directly how they are feeling and show their conflict through the scenery and setting. “Hills Like White Elephants” outlines the struggle of perceived “right” or “wrong” of a couples’ decision on abortion.
