Communicating Conflict in Ernest Hemingways Hills Like White Elephants

Ernest Hemingways short story Hills Like White Elephants touches on an issue as ageless as time communication problems in a relationship. He tells his story through conversations between the two main characters, the American and the girl. Conflict is created through dialogue as these characters face what most readers believe to be the obstacle of an unexpected pregnancy. Their plight is further complicated by their inability to convey their differing opinions to each other. Symbolism and the titles meaning are other effective way of communicating conflict. To begin, consider the main characters point of view. Single and in his prime, he makes the most of his lifestyle by traveling and seeing new sights. The story is fix up on one such excursion, at a train station in Spain. Of the complications that might arise from starting a family, one is certain to him traveling, sight-seeing, and his circulating(prenominal) lifestyle would be things of the past. These are some of his motivat ing thoughts as he pleads his case for terminating the pregnancy. He chooses his words advantageously, almost deceitfully, when trying to convince the girl that an spontaneous abortion is easy surgery Its not really an operation at all (275). Those familiar with the abortion procedure can affirm that it is an operation, and rarely a uncomplicated one. This remark reveals how desperate he is to make the decision for the girl. The man further complicates the discussion by contradicting himself. For each time he reassures the girl he exigencys what she wants, he spends at least one line identifying exactly what he wants. This is clearly seen in the following conversation You?ve got to realize . . . that I don?t want you to do it if you don?t want to. I?m perfectly willing ... ...ing, symbolism, and the ageless dilemma of communication problems provides an excellent dialogue, giving the story an interest twist indicative of his style Works Cited Baker, Sheridan. Hemingway?s Two-Hear ted River. The presently Stories of Ernest Hemingway Critical Essays. Ed. Jackson, J. Benson. Durham Duke UP, 1975. 158. Hemingway, Ernest. To Maxwell Perkins. 16 Nov. 1933. Ernest Hemingway/Selected Letters, 1917-1961. Ed. Carlos Baker. New York Charles Scribner?s Sons, 1981. 400. ---, Hills Like White Elephants. The Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway. New York Charles Scribner?s Sons, 1953. 273-278. Lindsey, Dr. Victor. Personal interview. 25 Sept. 1995. Organ, Dennis, Hemingway?s ?Hills Like White Elephants?. Explicator. Sum. 1979 11. White elephant. Webster?s 21st Century Dictionary of the English Language. 1993 ed.