hills being used as archetypes?

Question

I am writing a paper on hills like white elephants by Ernest Hemmingway. Can anyone tell me possible archetype refrence to hills. Links would be very helpful

FIRST GOOD ANSWER GETS IT!

Answer 1

I have dtudied this story and taught it, but I am still puzzled by the title. Usually titles are fun, but this one is odd. We think of "white elephants" as items that no one wants, old lamps or soup tureens, etc. But on the other hand, a white elephant, like a white buffalo or white tiger, would be rare and beautiful, and considered good medicine in some cultures.

These two kids are in a train station making an important decision, and they are surrounded by these hills that seems like white elephants. So, it is an expression of the landscape reflecting the awkwardness ( isn't that an awkward word?) of their situation, or does the phrase mean that something very special and rare COULD happen here? Both thoughts appeal to me.

What do the rest of you think? Love you, Sammy
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Answer 2

To add to what sammy said, "white elephants" also references the woman's condition in the story (she is pregnant). It provides an ironic counterpoint that a white elephant can be something given but unwanted or can be a rare and valuable oddity when the couple is discussing whether the woman should have an abortion.
Hemingway was big on Freudisms.