Ernest Hemingway's Hills Like White Elephants is a fascinating story, set at a train station at Zaragosa, Spain. This story first appeared in a short story collection titled Men Without Women, which was published in 1927. In this story, we eavesdrop on a conversation held by "the American and the girl with him" (170). In their dialogue, conflict is created as the characters face what most readers believe to be the obstacle of unexpected pregnancy. This is assumed through symbolism and the titles meaning. The term "white elephant" was used in the Swing era, and usually stood for an unwanted gift. The birth of a child, when unexpected could then be seen as a "white elephant." This story touches on an issue most people are very familiar with: Communication problems in a relationship. Although the couple in the story are talking, they seem unable to convey their differing opinions to each other. The theme is established throughout the story, but the reader first notices the trouble in the couple's conversation in line 11, when the girl says that the hills "look like white elephants" (170). For the first time we sense sarcasm in the man's respon

talking" (173). Hemingway uses the girl's denial of self-expression to assure the reader that the her weak and dependant nature prevents her from verbally expressing her point of view. Even the use of character terms, such as "the American and the girl" (170) reinforce this effect. It is apparent that the girl doesn't want to have an abortion, but it is also apparent that the man does. The fact that the man is claiming the decision is up to her is simply stated because he wants to convince her that everything will be okay when she goes through with it. He wants her to think that nothing will change, when in her eyes everything will be different.

conversation. It is at this time they decide to get beer, which ironically is extremely unhealthy for the baby. After they get their drinks, the girl states "It tastes like licorice" (171). The man replies with "That's the way with everything," (171) and the couple end up in their first argument of the story. Although it is not talked about what they are upset over, it is obvious that she is anxious about having an abortion, and the argument is not simply over liquor tasting like licorice.

The girl's weakness and inability to express herself are shown clearly in lines 28 through 44. When the conversation shifts and the man brings up the operation (abortion) her reaction is described: "The girl looked at the ground the table legs rested on [and] . . .did not say anything" (171). The girl fails to state her opinion, illustrating a clear breakdown in communication among the two. She doesn't ever state that she wants to keep the baby, although it is hinted when she st

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Approximate Word count = 1106
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)