Hills Like White Elephants Symbolism Essay

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For centuries, abortion has served as a focal point of explosive controversy, effectively highlighting the morally ambiguous dichotomy between creating life and ending it. In Ernest Hemingway's short story, "Hills Like White Elephants," our protagonist, Jig, serves as a microcosm of all expectant mothers who face this quandary. She struggles to deal with the moral and emotional ramifications associated with abortion, and is petrified of losing the man she loves. However, upon closer examination, this entire overarching theme is thrown into question by Jig’s decision to order alcohol at the trainstation. Alcohol is extremely detrimental to the health of a growing fetus, so by willingly partaking in its consumption, Jig herself confirms that she has already made the decision to have the abortion. With this false narrative now dismantled, the true focus of Hemingway's story becomes apparent. Through the use of symbolism and subtle interactions between Jig and her lover, Hemingway weaves together a …show more content…
Hemingway admirably avoided commenting on the morality of the action itself, instead preferring the far more rigorous route of examining the inner psyches of those that participate in them. Utilizing the simplicity of conversation, Hemingway is able to accurately capture the true emotions of such participants, which allows the more conservative members of the reading audience to empathize with the situation rather than demonize it. Beyond abortion, "Hills Like White Elephants" teaches its readers to allow the grieving process to proceed naturally. Real, true pain must be dealt with directly, so attempting to expedite its progress will only hinder regrowth. Embrace the pain because without it, there was never any love to cause
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