Home > Hills Like White Elephants Summary & Study Guide > Hills Like White Elephants Group > Question and Answer

Question:

Answers:

1. 
   linda-allen Teacher
   High School - 10th Grade

   eNotes Editor

   "White elephant" is an old expression that something is unwanted or junk. In the story, the hills literally look like white elephants. Additionally, the author expects the reader to understand that the true "white elephant" is the unborn baby that the man wants Jig to get rid of. The web site phrases.org.uk defines "white elephant" as "a burdensome possession; creating more trouble than it is worth." That certainly describes the man's feelings about Jig's pregnancy.

   For more information, see the web sites listed in the sources section below.

   Sources:

   http://www.enotes.com/hills-like/overview

   http://www.enotes.com/hills-like/themes

   http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/410050.html

   Rate answer:

   • Flag as inappropriate

   Posted by linda-allen on Wednesday April 1, 2009 at 12:02 PM