Hensley
English 11 Honors
2nd Period
Hills Like White Elephants Summary The story begins in a valley in northern Spain near the Ebro river at a train station surrounded by hills, fields, and trees. An American man and his girlfriend, who he calls ?Jig?, are waiting for a train coming from Barcelona in forty minutes that would stop at the station and go to Madrid. While waiting in the shade at a table outside the building, the two discuss what they will have to drink. The man points out that it is hot and suggests they order beer. They order two beers and the woman brings out two large glasses and two felt pads. The girl is looking off into the distance and notice the large white hills in the brown scenery. She tells the man that …show more content…
The woman responds and says that it is alright and the girl orders them with water. The girl points out that the drinks taste like licorice and begins arguing with the man and both agree that they just want a peaceful time. The girl then turns her attention back to the hills of which she said resembled elephants. After the man says her statement was not very bright, she explains she did not really mean they look like elephants, just the color of them. The man then brings up an operation that he wants Jig to get and tries to talk Jig into by passing it off as not being a big deal. Jig asks what will happen after the operation and the man says that the operation will fix all their problems and things will return to normal. He even explains that he knows people who have had the operation whose problems have been resolved. The man emphasizes that he loves her and he wants the best for her. The girl is still reluctant, but agrees when the man explains that it is the best course of action to take. They continue to argue and the girl says she doesn?t care to have the surgery and the man, hesitant, says she should not do it if that is how she feels. The girl got up and walked to the end of the station and the story goes