Communication in relationships, especially in intimate romantic ones, is very vital for the progressive sustenance of the bond between the two parties involved. Ernest Hemmingway's Hills Like White Elephants presents the story of a couple dealing with a breakdown in communication between them that threatens their relationship and prevents them from resolving pressing issues between them. One such issue, though subtly implied rather than directly mentioned, is the abortion that the American man wants but the girl doesn't seem to favor Both Jig and the American struggle with a breakthrough in communication in an attempt to come to terms with the conflict in their relationship each with different points of view and opinions. The story profiles a couple at an emergency point in their relationship. They fight, in broad daylight, to convey their opposing perspectives on the course their relationship should take. The narrative opens with the two main characters waiting for a train while trying to talk about the conflict and problems in their relationships. However, from the first moments, it can be noticed that neither of them listens to the other and that poor listening and poor communication occurs, which worsens the existing crisis in their life. Jig notes that the hills behind the train station “…look like white elephants” and when her boyfriend claims he has never seen a white elephant, she responds rudely (Hemingway, 40). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayHer rude response may be due to the pressure she feels from her boyfriend, the American, who insists that she have an abortion as she is pregnant with his child. He has shown no signs of wanting to marry her and although she pretends that the topic of abortion doesn't bother her, she is very scared and frustrated about it. She then unconsciously directs her frustrations, pressures, and fears by behaving rudely and disengaged in conversations with her boyfriend. Fear and uncertainty of prospects, plans and the state of affairs after the abortion are factors that cause tension in the relationship between the two lovers. This tension manifests itself in the poor communication seen in the rude, tense and unproductive conversation between the two. Jig's main fear is whether he will be okay or the same after the operation, as he asks "So what will we do next?" and the American replies vaguely: “We'll be fine afterward, just like before.” He doesn't seem to address her fears that the abortion might be unsafe or how it will affect their relationship if it fails or succeeds. In truth, she really likes the American and is worried that the abortion will affect their relationship after losing the baby to the abortion. It's reassuring for her to know that everything will always be the same, but she still harbors uncertainty after she asks him "how sure are you?" in his response that it will be just like before when they do the operation (Hemingway, 40). This is a sign that she is still distressed and not entirely consoled. Both characters have different perspectives and opinions on what direction their relationship should take, which they struggle to show the other while still respecting each other's points of view. Even though the American doesn't seem to be able to fully express himself in the best way possible, it's clear that he cares a lot about his girlfriend when he openly tells her what he thinks she should do. She makes it clear that she doesn't want to force her to do anything “…I don't want you to do it if you don't want to” referring to the abortion. He tells her this to assure her that he will not force or violate her wishes, thus reassuring her that he does not want her to do anything she is not comfortable with regarding abortion. He tells her that he will respect her decision.