In general, when we think of the word setting, we usually think of an environment with a time and place. Specifically, in literature, setting is used for relating a conflict in a creative way. In this short story, “Hills like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway, is a perfect example of the setting and the conflict linking together. The setting takes place in a train station between two locations, Barcelona and Madrid. The objective is to go to Barcelona to terminate the pregnancy, but the couple cannot think of a decision. Ending the pregnancy also relates to the theme, which is choices and consequences. The setting in “Hills like White Elephants” represents that the American and Jig have different opinions about the potential abortion. Also, Jig observing the elements of the scenery helps her reach her final choice of the pregnancy.
Firstly, the background of Barcelona and Madrid shows Jig two outcomes if she keeps her baby or if she has the abortion. For example, the author states about Barcelona further in the sentence, “The country was brown and dry” (229). Looking at Barcelona’s surroundings, Jig pictures would life would be if she goes through with the abortion. An abortion is an irreversible action that results in a consequence. In reverse, the scenery of Madrid was more …show more content…
In further detail, Hemingway says, “The hills across the valley of the Ebro were long and white” (229). The hills symbolize a personal possession that’s a beautiful blessing, but a burden, which is Jig’s unborn child. Bringing a child into the world is an incredible feeling, yet it is a difficult job to become a parent. Jig often became repetitive referring the lovely hills looking like white elephants. She often dismissed the conversation and focuses on the hills. This goes to show that Jig is indecisive and wants to be told what to do by the
Firstly, the background of Barcelona and Madrid shows Jig two outcomes if she keeps her baby or if she has the abortion. For example, the author states about Barcelona further in the sentence, “The country was brown and dry” (229). Looking at Barcelona’s surroundings, Jig pictures would life would be if she goes through with the abortion. An abortion is an irreversible action that results in a consequence. In reverse, the scenery of Madrid was more …show more content…
In further detail, Hemingway says, “The hills across the valley of the Ebro were long and white” (229). The hills symbolize a personal possession that’s a beautiful blessing, but a burden, which is Jig’s unborn child. Bringing a child into the world is an incredible feeling, yet it is a difficult job to become a parent. Jig often became repetitive referring the lovely hills looking like white elephants. She often dismissed the conversation and focuses on the hills. This goes to show that Jig is indecisive and wants to be told what to do by the