Journal 10

The characters in "Hills Like White Elephants" are a couple only referred to as "the American" and "the girl", and they're waiting for a train at some bar while having a discussion. The atmosphere is really tense, and emotions are running high. The conversation reveals that the American and the girl are trying to decide on something that seemed to be a pretty difficult, emotional decision. The American wanted the girl to do whatever it was, but not in the mindset she was in. She seemed to only agree to make him happy and didnt care about herself. I had no idea what this story could be about when i first read it, but after I looked at the other posts and found out that it was about abortion, it made alot more sense. I think the author chose to write this story without telling the reader exactly what the issue was to convey the attitude that it was a serious and taboo subject between the couple, and to help set the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.