An Analysis of Hemingway's Use of Location as a Character in "Hills Like White Elephants"

Ernest Hemingway's short story, "Hills Like White Elephants," is a poignant exploration of themes such as choice, morality, and the complexities of human relationships. One of the most striking features of the story is Hemingway's deft use of location as a character in its own right. The setting of the story, a remote train station amidst the barren and unforgiving landscape of Spain, plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative and revealing the emotional turmoil of the characters.

The Barren and Isolated Setting

The story opens with a description of the barren and isolated setting, establishing an atmosphere of desolation and loneliness. The train station is located amidst a "dry country" with "no trees and no shade," evoking a sense of emptiness and hopelessness. The lack of vegetation and the harsh sunlight create an unforgiving environment that mirrors the emotional barrenness of the characters' relationship.

The isolation of the setting is further emphasized by the absence of other people. The only other presence is the proprietor of the station, a man who remains indifferent to the characters' plight, highlighting their emotional isolation. The desolate landscape and the lack of human interaction create a sense of claustrophobia, trapping the characters in their own emotional turmoil.

The Symbolic Divide

The train tracks that bisect the landscape serve as a powerful symbol of the divide between the characters. The tracks represent a choice, a path that must be taken, but the characters are hesitant to commit to either direction. The man wants the woman to have an abortion, while she is reluctant to make the decision. The tracks symbolize the emotional and moral divide that separates them, a chasm that grows wider as the story progresses.

The Unrelenting Sun

The relentless sun shines down on the characters, casting an unforgiving light on their situation. The heat and brightness create a sense of discomfort and unease, reflecting the emotional turmoil within the characters. The sun is also symbolic of the harsh reality of their predicament, illuminating the consequences of their choices. As the sun beats down on them, it becomes an oppressive force that weighs heavily on their minds.

The Landscape as a Reflection of Inner Conflict

Hemingway's use of imagery and symbolism extends to the natural elements surrounding the characters. The hills, described as "dry and white," evoke the barrenness and emptiness of their relationship. The "gray lizard" that crawls across the tracks symbolizes the cold, indifferent nature of the setting, reflecting the characters' emotional detachment from each other.

A Barometer of Emotions

The setting of "Hills Like White Elephants" is not merely a backdrop for the characters; it is an integral part of the story, acting as a barometer of their emotions. The desolate landscape mirrors their emotional emptiness, while the relentless sun reflects the harsh reality of their situation. The train tracks symbolize the choice they must make, and the hills and lizard serve as symbols of their inner conflict and emotional detachment.

The Dynamic Nature of the Setting

Throughout the story, the setting undergoes subtle changes that reflect the evolving emotions of the characters. As the man and woman argue, the landscape becomes more barren and unforgiving. The sun grows hotter, and the lizard becomes more prominent, reflecting the intensity of their conflict. However, towards the end, as the woman makes her decision, the landscape begins to soften slightly, suggesting a glimmer of resolution and a possible path forward.

Conclusion

Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Elephants" is a masterpiece of short fiction that explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of choice. The setting of the story, a barren and isolated train station, is a powerful character in its own right, shaping the narrative and revealing the emotional turmoil of the characters. Hemingway's use of imagery and symbolism transforms the landscape into a barometer of emotions, reflecting the characters' inner conflict and the moral and emotional divide that separates them.