Symbolism and Decision-Making in “Hills Like White Elephants”

Ernest Hemingway's short story "Hills Like White Elephants" is a masterful piece of literature that explores complex themes through sparse dialogue and vivid symbolism. Set at a train station in the Ebro Valley of Spain, the narrative details a conversation between an American man and a woman named Jig. They are discussing a potential abortion, a decision that will irrevocably alter the course of their lives. Hemingway's use of symbolism provides a rich tapestry of meaning, reflecting the emotional weight of the decision and the contrasting perspectives of the couple.

This essay examines how the symbols of the hills, train tracks, and luggage encapsulate the central theme of choice and consequence in the context of the story.

The hills in the story function as multifaceted symbols that reveal the divergent viewpoints of the characters. For Jig, the hills resemble white elephants, a metaphor that evokes both wonder and burden. In some cultures, a white elephant is considered a valuable yet cumbersome gift, symbolizing something that is both precious and challenging. Similarly, the prospect of motherhood presents Jig with a paradox of joy and responsibility. The hills' comparison to white elephants suggests her ambivalence about the potential pregnancy—an event that could bring happiness but also demands significant sacrifice. Conversely, for the American man, the hills symbolize a heavy and unwanted burden. His perspective aligns with the interpretation of the white elephant as an unwanted object, underscoring his desire to avoid the responsibilities of fatherhood and maintain his current lifestyle.

The train tracks serve as a powerful symbol of the couple's crossroads, offering two distinct, irreversible paths: to proceed with the abortion or to embrace the possibility of parenthood. Renner, a notable critic, posits that these tracks not only represent two different decisions but also embody the conflicting perspectives on abortion. Each track leads to an unknown future, forcing the couple to confront the permanence and uncertainty of their choice. This binary opposition reflects the broader societal debate surrounding abortion, highlighting the tension between personal autonomy and moral responsibility.

Luggage in the story further underscores the emotional weight of the decision at hand. Symbolizing the potential child and the burden of choice, the bags are moved by the man to the opposite side of the tracks. This action signifies his attempt to take control of the situation, emphasizing his preference for the abortion decision. However, Jig's reaction to his return—her smile as she acknowledges the bags—suggests a complex interplay of relief and resignation. Her smile may indicate relief that the decision has been made, yet it also reveals the emotional turmoil she experiences as she grapples with the implications of their choice. The imagery of the luggage, adorned with hotel labels, hints at a transient lifestyle, suggesting that the couple's relationship, like their travels, is marked by impermanence and uncertainty.

Throughout the narrative, Hemingway uses scenery and dialogue to convey Jig's internal struggle. Despite her desire to please the American, Jig's reluctance to abandon the child is palpable. Her ambivalence is captured through her dialogue and the story's symbolic landscape, contrasting the barren, hot side of the valley with the fertile grain fields. This juxtaposition mirrors Jig's internal conflict between choosing a life of potential fulfillment and the fear of unknown responsibilities. The symbolism of the landscape offers a poignant reflection on the themes of fertility and barrenness, choice and consequence.

In conclusion, "Hills Like White Elephants" is a rich narrative that invites readers to explore the complexities of choice through its potent symbolism. The hills, train tracks, and luggage each carry layered meanings that deepen our understanding of the characters' emotional states and the broader implications of their decision. Hemingway's careful construction of these symbols not only illuminates the personal conflict faced by Jig and the American but also speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with life's irrevocable choices. As readers, we are left to ponder the unresolved questions of the story: the future of the couple's relationship, Jig's survival through the potential abortion, and the enduring impact of their decision. Through this masterful interplay of symbolism and dialogue, Hemingway compels us to reflect on the weight of our own choices and the paths they chart in our lives.

Did you like this example?

778

41