Im readin a story in my englsh class called"Hills Like White Elephants".What's the significance of the title?

Question

"white elephants" usually means bad luck. Btw the story is about a guy and a girl and they arent married but they are boyfriend and girlfriend. He got her pregnant and he wants her to have an abortion. She doesnt really want to have one. pretty weird story but PLEASSSSSSE help. i have to write this by tomorrow and i have tons of other hw. thanks :|

Answer 1

You can look at the "white elephants" as the first answerer suggested though it may be more like "pink elephants".

I like the "white elephants" as bad luck meaning more. A gift from the king/emperor (?) that is also a form of punishment for those unable to handle the responsibililty. Definitely something there.

Also, you may wish to Google this story and see if you can find Hemingway's unedited text which could shed more light on all the things unsaid.

Answer 2

You have to work it yourself, but to clarify, when we refer to a white elephant, we are usually referring to something you can't help but see, but don't want to mention for fear that everyone else will think you're nuts. So it's the obvious that everyone is avoiding. Try to see if that helps.

By the way, not sure how "weird" the story is. Don't you think there have been other instances in the world of guys trying to pressure girls the way he does? It seems pretty ordinary if you think of it. Hemingway just makes it interesting.

Answer 3

The Outsider

Answer 4

Reread the story and notice how the two characters are speaking, but really aren't communicating everything.