Understanding The Symbols in Hemingway's 'Hills Like White Elephants'

Introduction

Ernest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" is a masterclass in subtlety and symbolism. On the surface, it appears to be a simple conversation between an American man and a woman named Jig as they wait at a train station in Spain. However, as we delve deeper into their dialogue and the setting, it becomes clear that Hemingway has woven a complex tapestry of meanings through symbols that reflect the characters' emotional states and their relationship dynamics. In this essay, I will explore the primary symbols present in the story, such as the hills, the beverage choices, and the railway station itself, to illuminate how these elements contribute to our understanding of Jig and her predicament.

The Symbolism of the Hills

One of the most striking symbols in "Hills Like White Elephants" is introduced right in the title: the hills themselves. Initially described by Jig as resembling white elephants, they represent something rare yet burdensome. Traditionally, white elephants are considered sacred yet impractical gifts that one cannot get rid of; they require resources for upkeep without providing any benefits. This symbol subtly reflects Jig’s situation regarding her pregnancy—it's a life-altering event that carries both significance and weight.

The hills also serve as a metaphorical divide between two paths—one side lush with fertility while the other remains barren. This duality parallels Jig's emotional conflict about whether to keep or terminate her pregnancy. As she gazes at these hills throughout their conversation, we sense her yearning for connection with nature and perhaps motherhood versus her partner's more pragmatic view focused on personal freedom. The imagery creates an almost palpable tension between them; they stand on either side of an existential divide.

Drinks: A Reflection of Choices

The drinks ordered by both characters also carry rich symbolic weight in this narrative. From early on in their dialogue, alcohol becomes a focal point—a means of social lubrication but also a representation of escapism from pressing realities. The American man consistently orders beer while Jig opts for an Anis del Toro; his choice signifies his desire for comfort amidst chaos while hers suggests sophistication or perhaps a need for clarity amid confusion.

This distinction draws attention to their differing approaches toward life's challenges—the man seems intent on ignoring complications through distraction (the beer), whereas Jig seeks deeper understanding (the Anis del Toro). Additionally, drinking can be interpreted as an act reflecting their communication styles: he tries to downplay issues through nonchalance while she struggles with articulating her feelings about impending motherhood or its absence.

The Railway Station: A Place of Transition

The train station itself emerges as another potent symbol within "Hills Like White Elephants." It represents transitional spaces where choices must be made—trains arrive and depart much like life’s opportunities come into play before moving along quickly without pause for reflection. For Jig and her companion waiting there amidst heavy silence punctuated only by interruptions from passing trains echoes their own stagnant situation.

This setting enhances feelings of urgency; time seems fleeting here where decisions loom large over them like approaching trains speeding towards unknown destinations—or potentially irrevocable outcomes stemming from choices left unmade or poorly discussed.

Communication Breakdown

A pivotal aspect worth discussing regarding symbolism relates directly back toward communication—or rather its breakdown between characters throughout this intense exchange laden with subtextual meaning just beneath surface-level interactions filled with euphemisms about 'the operation' referenced numerous times yet never explicitly named beyond coded language surrounding pregnancy termination decision-making process faced by couple over duration spent at railway stop until next train arrives.

This reluctance symbolizes societal taboos surrounding discussions around reproductive health exacerbated further when juxtaposed against contrasting desires expressed clearly by each character—even if those desires remain painfully unvoiced leading ultimately toward conflict rather than resolution overall reinforcing complexity inherent within intimate relationships marked often by silence pregnant (pun intended!) with unspoken fears uncertainties accompanying them wherever journeys take us whether physical metaphorical alike!

Conclusion

"Hills Like White Elephants" stands out not merely because it presents readers engaging dialogue but rather invites reflection upon deeply ingrained cultural attitudes concerning love loss responsibility choices! Through symbols—the hills echoing longing stability versus upheaval beverages illustrating varying perspectives relationship dynamics represented railway station embodying pivotal crossroads ahead—we gain insight into inner turmoil faced therein whilst grappling larger themes prevalent universally across time place experience humanity shared together all too intimately!

References

• Baker, Carlos. "Hemingway: The Writer As Artist." Princeton University Press, 1971.
• Mellow, James R. "Hemingway: A Life Story." Harper & Row Publishers, 1980.
• Thompson, John M., eds. "The Cambridge Companion to Hemingway." Cambridge University Press, 1996.
• Bullock Jr., Richard W., et al., “Understanding Literature.” Allyn & Bacon Inc., 2004.