Final answer:
Anis Del Toro in 'Hills like White Elephants' symbolizes escapism, the illusion of choice, and the gap in communication between the characters as they confront an important decision.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "Hills like White Elephants," the drink Anis Del Toro symbolizes the themes of escapism and the illusion of choice. The liquor serves as a distraction for the characters from the weighty conversation about their potential future and the decision they must make regarding an abortion. Its potency can be likened to the intoxicating nature of avoiding reality, as the characters dance around the subject of their discussion.
The beverage also reflects the exotic and foreign setting of the story, suggesting a desire to escape from the familiar and confront the uncomfortable unknown, which parallels the choices facing the characters. Furthermore, in the context of the story, Anis Del Toro represents the characters' different perspectives and a barrier to communication, reflective of how alcohol can simultaneously connect and isolate individuals.