"Hill Like White Elephants"Ernest Hemingway
...author uses symbolism in the surroundings which contribute to Jig’s deliberations. The station is between two train tracks; it symbolizes a crossroads in Jig’s life, a chance for her to change direction. One direction is the journey to life with a baby. Jig could have the baby and a future, with or without the man. The other direction is abortion an end the relationship. Another symbolism used in the story is the two sides of the Ebro valley. One side of the valley is barren and symbolizes abortion. The valley is dry, brown, infertile, and has no growth. Abortion is physically and emotionally risky and not a decision to be taken lightly. An abortion could mean sterility caused by complications in the operation. It should be made by Jig without influence from the man. The other side of the valley is green, lush and symbolizes life. It has fields of grain, growth, fertility, trees, mountains and rivers. Jig could have a life with commitment, marriage and a future. The lush side of the valley suggests the productive part of a woman; Jig would be fertile, have a baby, and a chance at life. She will not have commitment if she continues her relationship with the American man. The American man does not want change in the relationship. He wants to continue to look at new things and try new drinks. Jig refers to the hills as white elephants. To Jig the white elephant symbolizes an abortion she does not want; and she realizes the white elephant symbolizes a baby the man does not want. The symbolism of the white elephants is seen only through the eyes of the girl. The man is not interested in Jig’s perception of the white elephants. He continues to try and manipulate her into making the decision to have the abortion. Another symbolism the author uses is a beaded curtain hanging in the doorway. The curtain represents a transparent but tangible barrier between the couple. Their relationship is superficial and has a barrier. They are unable to express their honest opinions to each other. Jig picks up two strings of beads representing the relationship and the abortion. The relationship is no stronger than the beads on the string and it could break at any time. Jig is starting to see that the relationship with the man is not everything she wants and hoped for. She is seeing a side of the American man that is selfish and insensitive. He is in complete control of their relationship and Jig allows it. On the other hand, the other string of beads represents abortion and complications associated with it. Jig could lose her life along with the baby if she has an abortion. At the time, abortions were illegal and the instruments used were primitive and not sterilized. The man wants her to have the abortion and continues to try and manipulate her. He says it is an “awfully simple” operation. How can something awful be simple? The fact that the American knows others that have had the “simple operation” suggests he has had other affairs and Jig is not the first girl he made pregnant. The story also refers to a drink the couple order called “Anis del Toro”. It contains absinthe, which is a green, licorice flavored liqueur. The author uses the taste of licorice to suggest the relationship is boring and at a standstill. It is suggested there is no substance to the relationship and probably never was. Jig continues to consider her choices trying not to be influenced by the American man. The author uses symbolism in the setting to help convey Jig’s choices. If Jig’s choice is to keep the baby, she will be faced with social complications. The realization of having the baby and bringing it up on her own would be a frightening proposition. In 1920 an unwed mother with no husband was looked at with aversion. She would c...