The great American author Ernest Hemingway is known for his unique style, which gives the greatest meaning to what is not said. Among his works, and in his typical style, is the story "Hills Like White Elephants". This narrative focuses on a couple traveling in Western Europe and the unspoken problem that puts a strain on their relationship. Although not expressly stated, the dialogue suggests that the girl is pregnant and is thinking of terminating the pregnancy. While the girl remains uncertain about what to do, the man who accompanies her is convinced that she must undergo "the procedure". In Hemingway's story, "Hills Like White Elephants," an uncomfortable atmosphere, choppy dialogue, and the stark contrast between the desires of the central characters create tension as the girl struggles to make a difficult decision about the future of her relationship and her child not yet born. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay From the beginning, Hemingway creates an uncomfortable atmosphere to suggest to readers that there is already friction between the girl and the man. The story is set in an unknown place, both to the readers and to the characters. The man is identified as an American traveling in Spain. Although readers are not told where the girl is from, it is clear that she is not from Spain, as the man must translate to the woman who serves them. In the first moments, both characters drink alcohol. Not only are they drinking, but the girl asks, "The big ones?" and the man agrees. The presence of alcohol and the staccato quality of their initial dialogue contribute to an uncomfortable atmosphere in the story at the beginning. As the story continues, the two order more drinks in what seems like a very short time. They order “Anis del Toro” and another round of beers, which helps establish the nervousness both characters have in anticipation of their conversation. When not used in reference to social drinking, alcohol generally suggests discomfort, serving as a buffer for difficult conversations. In this story, alcohol leads to discussion about whether or not to have an abortion. In addition to the tension created by the uncomfortable atmosphere, Hemingway also uses dialogue to create tension between the two characters. The longest sentence on the first page is only five words until the man snaps: “Just because you say I wouldn't do it doesn't prove anything,” in response to his comment about seeing white elephants (475). This first sentence, of considerable length, reveals part of the tension that is already building between the two. While discussing their Anis del Toros, the girl makes a simple joke and the man appears short to her. She replies, “You started it… I was having fun. I was having fun." Then he says, "Well, let's try to have fun" (476). This text suggests that they had to force themselves to act normal and appear "fine." At this point they are still hiding their true emotions and why of their discomfort. The word "good" appears again at the very end of the story, when the girl seems to have lost the argument and the man asks her if she feels better. The girl replies briefly: “I feel good. there is nothing wrong with me. I feel fine” (478). Although she claims to be “fine,” her repetition of the phrase and choice of the word “fine” suggest that she is anything but the story is accompanied by a stark contrast between the two characters and their motivating desires. While the man is quite clear about what he wants, the girl is torn between conflicting desires. At first, the girl comments that the hills “look like elephants white”, a term that indicates an unwanted or annoying possession,.