Hills like White Elephants

Hills Like White Elephants

Ernest Hemingway (1899 ~ 1961)

Summary

The setting of the story is in Ebro River Valley in Spain. An American man and a girl are having a conversation while they are waiting for the train at the bar in train station. The two are apparently a couple. They drink beer and liquor called Anis del Toro while waiting. They seem to be arguing about doing something and that is why they are waiting, catch a train to go somewhere and do something.

Comment

The story was written in 1927 and that is approximate time period of the story. Specifically, it is late summer because the man and the girl are drinking beers with strong sunshine and a field is full of grains. It is noticeable that this story does not have specific plot line development. There is only a certain point of moment and the other parts of the story are up to readerЎЇs imagination. Basically, the two characters are talking about the abortion. There are some word implies what they are talking about. For example, the arch shape of the hill represents the pregnant stomach of the woman. However, on the hill, there is nothing life trees and grass. This shows that there wonЎЇt be no new life. Also, the short time left for the train shows that there is only a short time for the women to decide. They are arguing because they have different thoughts. This is more like two rails of the train that goes parallel to each other so they never meet at any point. Overall, the story is very symbolic.