Hills Like White Elephants

In order for a relationship between a man and a woman to flourish and grow, both people should be reasonably mature and honest with one another. Their goals in life should be similar. Otherwise, it is difficult to maintain a substantial base in the partnership, and inevitably, it will wither and die. In an attempt to make clever conversation, she observes aloud that the line of hills off in the distance "look[s] like white …

…take the bags over to the other side . . .." Perhaps she had finally convinced him that their lives needed to take a new direction. Hemingway leaves us wondering about their final destination. One thing, however, is certain. Unless these two young people learn to be honest with one another, and grow together, with the same priorities and goals in life, Jig may find once again that everything she’s "waited so long for . . . tastes like licorice."