This essay explains why Hemingway’s short story is called “Hills Like White Elephants.” The meaning of the story can be understanding by analyzing the conflict that takes place throughout the entire story. A man and woman sit in an isolated train station in Ebro Valley, Spain, waiting for a train. They take multiple drinks together, and their conversation becomes an argument. The man is trying to convince the woman to do something, insisting that she would not mind it by saying, “It’s just to let the air in” (Hemingway, 1927, 230). However, the woman does not seem convinced and wonders whether they will be happy and go back to the way they were.
The title of the play refers to the phrase White Elephants to denote either something that is of sacred or value. White elephants are rare elephants and are regarded as sacred by some religions like Buddhism and Hinduism. The phrase “White Elephants” may also refer to something that may be considered expensive for maintenance, could be without use or value, and the owner cannot easily dispose of it. The title also refers to the symbol “Hills Like White Elephants” to showcase Jig’s pregnancy as the hills can symbolize a pregnant belly as the two have similar shapes. Therefore, pregnancy can be compared to something sacred or a possession that is expensive to maintain but does not have any use or value.
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The analysis of the discussion between Jig and the man shows that the two are engaged in an argument about abortion and parenthood. The two are traveling to Madrid for the woman to get an abortion. The man states that abortion is a simple procedure and states that “it’s just to let the air in” (Hemingway, 1927, 230). He also observes that the two will be fine afterward, just like they were in the past. However, the girl does not appear quite convinced about the abortion. She remains unsure about whether it would be the right path to take. She wonders whether they will be happy by making the statement, “And you think then we’ll be all right and be happy” (Hemingway, 1927). The statement questions whether the two will be alright and happy. She also makes the statement, “And if I do it you'll be happy and things will be like they were an you'll love me?" (Hemingway, 1927, 231). The girl is asking for confirmation about whether she goes on with the abortion, that things will go on with the way it was in the past, and the man will still love him. The story thus shows the different views that the two individuals have about parenting and raising a child. The girl views the child as something sacred, and it corresponds with the initial meaning of the white elephant. On the other hand, the man views the child as burdensome, and it corresponds to the second meaning where the child can be considered a costly endeavor with no value.
Hemingway uses the title “Hills Like White Elephants” to symbolize the sacredness of pregnancy and the procedure of abortion. Hemingway uses symbolism in the title to show a small portion of the story but does not state it directly. After critically analyzing the title of the story and its meaning, the conclusion is that the girl and the man are traveling to Madrid to get an abortion. The two have different views regarding the procedure where the girl is not sure about it, but the man insists that she will be okay afterward and go back to being normal.
References
Hemingway, E. (1927). Hills like white elephants. Men without women , 229-232.
