Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway, Book Review By Nishanth Balaji

 Book Review: Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway

By: Nishanth Balaji

Ernest Hemingway’s Hills Like White Elephants is a masterpiece of minimalist storytelling, exploring themes of communication, choice, and the complexity of human relationships. First published in 1927, the story is set at a train station in Spain, where a couple discusses an unnamed procedure, implied to be an abortion. In this review, I will examine Hemingway’s use of subtext, the story’s central themes, and its portrayal of the tension between personal freedom and societal expectations.

The Art of Subtext

One of the defining features of Hills Like White Elephants is Hemingway’s use of subtext, a hallmark of his “iceberg theory” of writing. Much of the story’s tension lies in what is left unsaid. The couple’s conversation is laden with euphemisms and indirect references, requiring the reader to infer the true nature of their discussion.

Hemingway’s sparse prose allows the characters’ emotions and dynamics to emerge subtly. The man’s insistence on the procedure contrasts with the woman’s hesitance, revealing a power imbalance in their relationship. This subtlety makes the story deeply engaging, as readers are drawn into the unspoken complexities of their interaction.

Themes of Choice and Autonomy

At its core, Hills Like White Elephants is about choice and the struggle for autonomy. The story captures a moment of crisis, where the couple must decide whether to go through with the procedure. The man’s repeated assurances that the decision is “simple” and “perfectly natural” reveal his desire to downplay its significance, while the woman’s reluctance and eventual silence suggest her internal conflict.

The story raises questions about agency and coercion. The men's casual dismissal of the woman’s concerns highlights the ways in which societal and relational pressures can undermine personal autonomy. Hemingway’s nuanced portrayal of this dynamic invites readers to reflect on the complexity of making life-altering decisions.

The Symbolism of the Setting

The story’s setting plays a crucial role in its narrative. The train station, with its two contrasting landscapes—one barren and desolate, the other lush and fertile—symbolizes the couple’s predicament. The barren side represents the potential loss and emptiness associated with the procedure, while the fertile side symbolizes growth and possibility.

This dichotomy underscores the gravity of the couple’s decision and the emotional distance between them. Hemingway’s use of the setting as a metaphor adds depth to the story, highlighting the unspoken tension that pervades their conversation.

Personal Reflections

Reading Hills Like White Elephants was an intense and thought-provoking experience. Hemingway’s ability to convey so much through so little left me in awe of his storytelling skills. The story made me reflect on the importance of communication in relationships and the ways in which power dynamics can shape decision-making.

One of the most impactful aspects of the story was its ambiguity. Hemingway’s refusal to provide clear answers forced me to engage with the text on a deeper level, considering multiple interpretations and perspectives. This open-endedness made the story resonate long after I finished reading it.

Conclusion

Hills Like White Elephants by Ernest Hemingway is a brilliant exploration of human relationships, communication, and the weight of personal choice. Its use of subtext, symbolic setting, and emotional complexity make it a timeless work that continues to captivate readers. For those who appreciate nuanced and thought-provoking literature, this story is an essential read.

Works Cited

Hemingway, Ernest. Hills Like White Elephants. Men Without Women, 1927.