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1. What is the “operation” discussed by the man and woman in the story? How can the reader infer this? Why might it never be named during their discussion?
2. How do the simple descriptions of the setting suggest a metaphorical or symbolic commentary on the decision the couple is facing? Think about descriptions of the train station/tracks, the river, and the landscape.
3. Consider the “names” given to the characters: the male is referred to as “the man” or “the American,” while the female is called “the girl” or “Jig.” What might these names suggest about the characters and their relationship?
4. What is the significance of the title of the story? Look up and post some definitions of a “white elephant” (and try to go further than dictionary.com!). How might the term “white elephant” suggest the different views the man and woman have about the potential “operation”?
