The contrasting landscapes that are dry and barren on one side, and fertile and alive on the other, mirror the couple’s decision. One path leads to life and connection (keeping the baby), and the other to emptiness (abortion and separation). The river represents the natural flow of life that she’s tempted to hold onto.

This line reveals the girl’s emotional surrender. She’s willing to undergo the abortion not out of personal choice but to please the man. Hemingway uses this brief, restrained dialogue to show her emotional pain in their relationship. He’s detached, while she’s sacrificing herself for his comfort.

The “white elephants” symbolize something unwanted or burdensome, which, in this case, is the pregnancy. The man tries to make light of it, but the girl’s repetition of the phrase shows her deeper emotional conflict and the couple’s inability to communicate honestly.

Jig’s plea reveals her emotional vulnerability. She’s seeking reassurance and love rather than logic. The phrase “we could get along” shows she associates keeping the baby with saving their relationship. It's a contrast to the man's practical reasoning.

The request to drink again is definitely an attempt to avoid the emotional tension. Alcohol becomes a symbol of distraction and denial, emphasizing the couple’s inability to communicate meaningfully about their situation.