Muhiba Tahir
English 201
17 June 2010 Miscommunication in Hemingway’s “Hills Like White Elephants.” The story “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway is described through the conversations of a couple which proves the miscommunication and lack of understanding between the couple. In my paper I am going to show how the relationship between the American and the girl failed to be a good relationship due to this lack of communication and understanding.
The American and the girl were waited for the Madrid train in a station bar. Both are talking about a serious problem which is the main reason to make their cheerful life monotonous. Gradually it is revealed that the young girl is pregnant and the American is trying to convince her to have an abortion.
The American and the girl Jig are not married and their relationship seems superficial. The girl asked the man which drink they should drink while sitting at a table in the shade. However, the man replied that the day is pretty hot and “Let’s drink beer.” It seems that they have lack of communication as well as lack of depth in their relationship. Otherwise, the man should reply what the girl wants to listen.
The American could not understand the girl’s point of view as well. The imagination about the line of hills of the girl is the hills are looking like white elephants. On the contrary, the man could not try to find out the meaning of the girl’s imagination. He immediately answered that he never seen white elephant. It proves that the American does not want to realize as well as to appreciate the girl’s point of view.
In addition, the American also could not try to understand the feelings of the girl as she got pregnant accidently. They had no good understanding with each other. When they were trying another drink the American told Jig how the system of abortion is very simple and there is no point to worry and it is a natural process. He added that he will go and