What is irony in the hill like white elephants?

In "Hills Like White Elephants", the title itself encapsulates a key point of irony. Hills are usually associated with elevation and growth, but ironically, these hills evoke a sense of infertility and barrenness through the allusion to "white elephants". White elephants were considered a rarity in traditional cultures and seen as auspicious in Asian traditions but also burdensome due to the significant costs involved in keeping them. In the context of the story, the hill suggests a dilemma that cannot be easily surmounted and brings into focus the theme of unexpected complications with serious implications. It also subtly points out the inherent challenges embedded in their personal dilemma related to pregnancy, emphasizing the complex dynamics at play.