Basics
Who wrote Hills Like White Elephants?
Ernest Hemingway
What nickname does the man use for the woman?
Jig
What do the hills look like?
White elephants
Why do you think the author focuses on using dialogue throughout the story?
Realistic Conversation / Looking 'below the surface'
Where does the story take place?
At a train station
Does she want the operation right away or does she hesitate?
She hesitates
What does the white elephants symbolize?
Pregnancy
Do you think Jig actually wants the operation or is she being pressured?
She feels pressured
What are the names of the two main characters?
The American and Jig
How does he describe the operation?
not a big deal
Life, Growth
Do you think the man truly cares about Jig, or mostly about himself?
Mostly himself
What country does this story take place in?
Spain
What does Jig say about feeling “fine” at the end?
She's hiding her feelings
What does the barren side of the valley represent?
Emptiness or Lifelessness
What do you think happens to their relationship after the story ends?
Likely ends unhappily since the relationship's tension is unresolved
What operation are they talking about without naming it?
An abortion
What does the story suggest about power in their relationship?
Imbalance of control
What do the train tracks symbolize?
Two choices or Different futures
How does alcohol play a role in this story?
To symbolize avoidance of the operation