"Hills Like White Elephants" is a short story written by Ernest Hemingway, first published in 1927. It is a powerful tale of a couple discussing their future over drinks at a train station in Spain. The story is known for its unique narrative style and ambiguous ending, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions. In this article, we will review the story and provide a guide on how to download "Hills Like White Elephants" in PDF format.
Book Details
| Title | Hills Like White Elephants |
| Author | Ernest Hemingway |
| Publication Year | 1927 |
| Genre | Short Story |
| Pages | 4 |
The Story
The story is set in a train station in Spain, where an American man and his girlfriend, Jig, are waiting for a train. As they sit at a table, they order drinks and engage in a conversation that slowly reveals the central conflict of the story. The American man wants Jig to have an abortion, while Jig is hesitant and unsure about the procedure.
The dialogue between the couple is cryptic, and the reader must read between the lines to understand the full implications of their conversation. The hills in the distance are described as "white elephants," a metaphor for the unwanted pregnancy that hangs over the couple's relationship.
The story ends ambiguously, with the couple getting up to leave the train station. The reader is left to speculate on what decision they have made and what the future holds for them.
The Narrative Style
Hemingway's writing style is known for its sparse and direct prose. In "Hills Like White Elephants," he uses dialogue to advance the plot and reveal the characters' thoughts and emotions. The story is told through a third-person limited point of view, with the narrator only able to convey the thoughts and feelings of one character at a time.
Hemingway also employs the literary technique of "iceberg theory," where he leaves much unsaid and allows readers to infer the underlying themes and meanings of the story. This approach creates a sense of tension and mystery, leading to a powerful emotional impact on the reader.
Downloading the PDF
If you want to read "Hills Like White Elephants" in PDF format, you can easily find it online. Simply search for "Hills Like White Elephants PDF" in your favorite search engine, and you will find several websites offering free downloads of the story.
One popular website where you can download the story is Project Gutenberg. This website offers a vast collection of free ebooks, including "Hills Like White Elephants." To download the story, simply search for it on the website and choose the PDF format.
FAQ
Is "Hills Like White Elephants" a difficult read?
The story is short and easy to read, but its narrative style and ambiguous ending can be challenging for some readers. However, the story's themes and emotional impact make it a rewarding read.
What is the central conflict of the story?
The central conflict of the story is the disagreement between the American man and Jig about the abortion. The story explores the complex emotional and ethical issues surrounding the procedure.
What is the significance of the hills like white elephants?
The hills represent the unwanted pregnancy that hangs over the couple's relationship. The metaphor suggests that the pregnancy is an obstacle that cannot be ignored or removed without consequences.
Conclusion
"Hills Like White Elephants" is a powerful and thought-provoking story that explores complex themes of love, communication, and morality. Hemingway's unique narrative style and ambiguous ending create a sense of tension and mystery that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. If you want to read the story, you can easily find it online in PDF format. Happy reading!
