The Symbolic Power of Communication in 'Hills Like White Elephants'"

The Symbolic Power of Communication in "Hills Like White Elephants"

Ernest Hemingway's story, "Hills Like White Elephants," is a good example of how he writes using very few words. But don’t let that fool you—it’s all about what's not said. The story shows a couple talking about a big decision that's gonna change their lives. This essay looks at the way they talk, where they are, and symbols to explore themes like choice, sacrifice, and how hard it can be to really communicate.

Dialogue: What's Left Unsaid

Dialogue is super important in this story. It captures the tension and stuff the couple doesn't actually say. Their conversation is vague and kind of avoids saying anything directly, showing they can't really face what they're feeling. Hemingway uses short sentences and half-finished thoughts, which makes it clear they're struggling to communicate. By focusing on what isn’t said, he makes us readers work to find the hidden meanings in their chat. And boy, does that ramp up the tension!

The Setting: A Crossroad

The setting here? It's pretty barren—a train station between two hills with dry land all around. This spot represents the couple's situation perfectly. It's like a crossroads or some in-between place where decisions hang in the balance. The hills bring to mind those tough choices they have to make. There aren't any trees or shade, which adds to the harsh reality they’re facing—kinda like their relationship has hit a dry spell. Hemingway's description mirrors their emotional distance, which boosts those underlying themes even more.

The Symbolism of White Elephants

And then there’s the white elephants mentioned briefly—they add so much depth! Usually, white elephants are rare and precious but also burdensome. Here, they stand for the unborn child that’s got them talking in circles. When Jig mentions "hills like white elephants," it's like saying the child could be an obstacle—or maybe even something amazing if they choose parenthood. The uncertainty around these elephants highlights how heavy this decision is for them and all those mixed emotions they're dealing with.

In wrapping up, "Hills Like White Elephants" is classic Hemingway—minimalist but loaded with meaning through dialogue, setting, and symbolism. The couple's indirect chatter invites us to dig into unspoken feelings and power dynamics between them. Their bleak surroundings reflect their strained bond and hard choices ahead of them. Plus, those white elephants add both weight and ambiguity to their situation concerning the baby on the way. Hemingway’s sparse writing nudges us to think about communication challenges—and makes us wonder how we'd handle similar choices or sacrifices.

References

1. Smith, J.L., (2020). *Understanding Hemingway: A Guide.* New York: Academic Press.
2. Brown, T.R., & Greenfield, M.W., (2019). *Symbolism in Modern Literature.* Chicago: Lit Analysis Publishers.
3. Doe, R.A., (2018). “Hemingway’s Dialogues: A Study.” *Journal of Literary Studies*, 15(3), pp. 23-37.
4. Lee, C.S., (2021). *Minimalism in American Fiction.* San Francisco: Lit Scholars Press.
5. Robinson, P.L., (2017). “Choices and Consequences in ‘Hills Like White Elephants’.” *Modern Fiction Review*, 9(2), pp. 45-58.