The story "Hills Like White Elephants" written by Ernest Hemingway tells of a dysfunctional couple on the verge of making a life altering decision. Hemingway provides no direct insight about the character's circumstances; only through the use of symbolism within their dialogue is the true meaning portrayed. There is a theme of arrogance and irresponsibility present throughout the duration of the story.
The setting is crucial for the reader to be able to understand the conversation between the couple. The story begins with the young couple referred to as "the American" and the girl waiting at a train station in rural Spain in the 1920s. The train station is significant because it causes a brief stop in the couple's journey; in the same nonchalant way they view the girl's pregnancy. The train symbolizes the decision they are trying to make. If they choose to have the baby, their lives will go a completely different direction than if they choose to have an abortion. Hemingway also......
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Approximate Word Count: 968
Approximate Pages: 4 (260 words per double-spaced page) |