"Hills LIke White Elephants" Hemingway

In this piece, there is so much tension between the couple. While I was reading it, I was uneasy throughout because the words exchanged were curt and cold. It seemed like they were holding onto a relationship that was dying out, and their conversation was vague to me.  He kept referring to an operation which she didn’t want to go through with. I felt as though he was trying to convince her to see through the operation, which was the main reason for their failing relationship. There were subtle connotations that I picked up on that made it seem as though this operation was referring to an abortion. This was especially emphasized on  when he says “I don't want anyone but you. I don’t want anyone else.” It almost seemed like whatever they were discussing about, possibly the baby was an obstacle in their lives. The American man also seemed like he was not ready to settle down and take life seriously and take responsibility. He appeared to still want to see more of the world, live on the edge and live a carefree life that now seemed impossible if she didn't go through with the operation. I also found it interesting how the two seem to want very different things. She probably wants to keep the child or settle down where as he is still looking for adventure. A dialogue that stuck with me was when he was talking about how they can have everything and the whole world and she disagrees and says that it isn’t theirs anymore. It is almost like she has accepted the fact that adventure and in transit lives are no longer for them. She instead thinks they need more stability. He on the other hand still believes that they are not yet ready and haven’t yet lived their lives. There is a sharp contrast between the two desires, creating the tension.