Hills Like White Elephants, written by Ernest Hemingway, is a short story that centers around a conversation between a man and a woman as they sit at a train station in Spain, waiting for a train to Madrid. The story is told in a minimalist style, with much of the dialogue and action left unsaid or hinted at. This leaves the reader to infer and interpret the true meaning and significance of the conversation between the man and the woman.
As the story begins, the man and the woman are seated at a table outside a bar, drinking beer and engaged in a seemingly casual conversation. However, as the conversation progresses, it becomes clear that they are discussing a significant and potentially life-altering decision. The woman, Jig, expresses hesitation and uncertainty about the decision, while the man, referred to only as "the American," seems more determined and insistent.
One of the most striking aspects of Hills Like White Elephants is the way in which the conversation between the man and the woman is presented. Hemingway uses a technique called "Iceberg Theory," in which only a small portion of the story's meaning is explicitly stated, with the rest left to the reader's interpretation. This creates a sense of mystery and uncertainty, as the true nature of the conversation and the decision being made is left open to interpretation.
One possible interpretation of the story is that the man and the woman are discussing the possibility of having an abortion. The reference to "white elephants," which are a symbol of an unwanted or burdensome possession, could be seen as a metaphor for an unwanted pregnancy. The woman's hesitation and reluctance to make a decision, as well as the man's insistence and pressure to "just do it," could be seen as signs that they are considering terminating a pregnancy.
Another possible interpretation is that the man and the woman are discussing the possibility of having a child. The reference to "white elephants" could be seen as a metaphor for the great responsibility and burden that a child represents. The woman's hesitation and reluctance to make a decision could be seen as a fear of taking on such a great responsibility, while the man's insistence and pressure to "just do it" could be seen as a desire to take on the challenge and have a child.
Ultimately, the true meaning and significance of the conversation between the man and the woman in Hills Like White Elephants is left open to interpretation. Hemingway's use of "Iceberg Theory" allows the reader to draw their own conclusions about the true nature of the decision being made and the motivations of the characters. Whether the decision being discussed is one of abortion or the decision to have a child, it is clear that the conversation is a significant and potentially life-altering one for both the man and the woman.
