Hill Like White Elephants Literary Analysis

Hill Like White Elephants

The story "Hills Like White Elephants," is written by Ernest Hemingway. Hemingway tells a story of a young couple and the controversial issue of abortion. Although, the word "abortion is not found anywhere in the text; Hemingway makes it understood through his use of symbolism and literacy elements. This story tells a truth that is much bigger than the story itself. On a historical prospective the topic of abortion has been an unmentionable topic; a topic that to this day is not openly discussed.

The setting of the story was at a bar in a train station; appearing to takes place in Spain and although the time period is never stated, it can be assumed to be around the 1920’s. In the first paragraph the setting immediately introduces the atmosphere as being tense. “No you wouldn’t have” Jig response as discussing the white lines of the hills; looking like white elephants. (563) This tense felling will reflect

It is made to believe that the American is older, educated and wealthier then the younger companion. The American appears to be educated; because he is able to not only speak but read Latin. An example of this is when Jig looking at the beaded curtain, She asked him as she points out the writing on the beaded curtain “what does it say? Anis del Toro” ( 563) Although, the relationship between them is not clear; but one can assume they are not married. One can also assume their relationship was intimate; resulting in Jig becoming pregnant. It is also made to appear that the couple are travelers who stop in different cities before moving on to the next. The reader s is made to believe the relationship that is being played by Jig and the American as being shallow. The American apparently wants this abortion because he wants to keep his current lifestyle. His character is shown through the bags with all the hotel labels on