In “Hills Like White Elephants,” the setting of the story is symbolic of the main character’s dilemma. The author, Ernest Hemingway, gives just enough information by using symbols in the story for the reader to make a deeper meaning out of what is detailed. As the main theme of the story, it relies on symbolism to convey the idea of ​​an abortion. The description of the two different landscapes of the railway represents Jig's difficult decision: keep his baby or continue an unforgiving life with the American. Ernest Hemingway uses the title "Hills Like White Elephants" to symbolize Jig's pregnancy. A “white elephant” is defined as something that represents a heavy burden or possession that the owner does not want but is difficult to get rid of, and especially something that is expensive to obtain (White Elephant 1). Symbolically, the hills can also be interpreted as swollen breasts and the belly of a pregnant woman. “On this side there was neither shade nor trees and the station was between two lines of rails in the sun” (Hemingway 1). Although the term "abortion" never appears in the story, the American and Jig are faced with this complicated decision. According to the symbolic interpretation of the setting, there are only two choices, or two directions, in the same way that there are only two train lines passing through the station. (Ranking 1). Unfortunately, the two characters have different views on the situation. “Very close to the station side there was the warm shadow of the building and a curtain made of strings of bamboo beads hung over the open door of the bar to keep out flies” (Hemingway 2). The bamboo curtain is a symbol of boundaries and separations of their different feelings... middle of paper ...... a decision, good or bad? Ultimately, what may be good for some may be bad for others. There are no right or wrong decisions in life, but the ones people choose and believe to be right differ from person to person. In Hemingway's realistic story, "Hills Like White Elephants", Jig attempts to make a critical decision in his life by making the right decision, but fails to do so due to the American's manipulation and also wants to please him. Jig is undecided about his choice and also depends on the American. Jig realizes the possibilities of her decision, but she has difficulty letting go of old habits, has low self-esteem which leads her to be a passive person and to pretend to be while hiding her true feelings. Jig faces a crucial abortion decision that will change her future. (Blackmore 4).