Literary Analysis

Ernest Hemingway's "Hills Like White Mountains" is a story which is open to interpretation. From the reader's standpoint, Hemingway uses simple diction and structure to create an elegant short story. While many people have tried to offer and interpretation, each person has their own idea of what is happening and what the couple are talking about in their conversation. The plot of the short story itself is simple: a man and a woman have a conversation in a Spanish bar as they wait for the train. Neither character is named or described, which allows to reader to imagine anyone they want in the scene, which allows the reader enough room for personalization and to become more invested in the actual story. Although never explicitly indicated in the story by Hemingway or the characters, the couple seem to be discussing the abortion of a pregnancy (supported by the fact that he says its a common procedure which is safe and alot of people do. Times haven't changed much have they?). From the conversation we can determine that the couple are traveling together constantly, while exploring their bodily desires in a casual fashion. When the woman becomes pregnant, however, the man tries to pressure her into getting an abortion. While she is at first reluctant, his nagging mixed with the drinks she takes in cause her to agree to the procedure in the end. The relationship between the man and the woman and their views on life appear to be the main themes of the story. While the man insists that he is not trying to force the woman into making a decision he pushes hard to get his way. At the end, he crosses the tracks with the baggage and orders a drink alone while pretending that he is the voice of reason. Throughout the conversation, the woman expresses her disappointment with the life they live and possibly their relationship. While they drink the "Anis del Toro", she complains that it tastes like liquorice and that all the drinks they try to enjoy taste the same. This can be seen as a metaphor as the drinks represent the experiences of the couple. Despite their varied desires everything always ends the same. While the woman thinks a baby can change things, the man still imposes his will upon her. Their relationship is clearly dominated by the man and as a result neither are incredibly happy.