Hills Like White Elephants

At the beginning of the story, Jig says the hills across the valley from the train station remind her of white elephants. In Western usage, the term “white elephant” refers to a burden that costs more than it is worth and is difficult to dispose of. In the context of the discussion of whether to terminate the pregnancy, the white elephant symbolizes the pregnancy and, eventually, the baby itself. At the beginning of the story, Jig seems to indicate that the pregnancy and baby would be too costly and potentially disappointing, a risk that could damage their relationship. But a little later, she reverses her position, saying that “they’re lovely hills” that “don’t really look like white elephants” (71). This statement indicates a reversal of her position on their decision, and it is the first indication that perhaps Jig is still considering going through with the pregnancy.

In addition, the landscape surrounding the hills is “brown and dry” (70), and “on this side there is no shade and no trees” (69). In the context of their superficial and aimless lifestyle, these hills might also be seen to represent the barrenness of their life and their relationship.

At one point in the story, Jig stands up from the table and gazes out past the train station to the other side of the valley. In stark contrast to the white hills and dry landscape of their side of the valley, on this side fields of grain, the Ebro river, and mountains in the distance show a rich and fertile landscape. This side of the valley symbolizes the potential for a richer lifestyle and relationship—not necessarily richer because of a choice to keep the baby, although that may be a component, but richer in terms of their willingness to engage with life in all its difficulty and messiness. This fertile side of the valley is full of life and possibility. The grain fields are also fixed in one place, cared for, nurtured, and will someday yield food that will sustain life. This is in direct contrast to their current lifestyle, in which they float along the top of life, without engaging, which creates an easy life but one that feels empty and meaningless, at least to Jig.

The train station sits in the valley, between the white hills and brown landscape on one side and the fields of grain, river, and mountains on the other. Jig and the American sit in the train station while they discuss their decision. The train station symbolizes a sort of limbo, a middle ground in which the couple are stranded while they make their decision. Their table is just outside the train station, facing the dry, bleak side of the valley, representing their current, empty lifestyle devoid of purpose and meaning; it also represents their relationship, which appears somewhat empty and superficial. Their position at the train station—stuck in the middle of the two landscapes and situated slightly toward the barren side but within reach of the richer landscape—reflects the position of their relationship. It also symbolizes Jig’s position on their life: She can sense the current emptiness and see the possibility in another way, but her own uncertainty, and pressure from the man, situate her just to off-center, toward the desolate side of the tracks.