Ernest Hemingway's story "The Hills Like White Elephants" touches on a theme as ageless as time: communication problems in a relationship. It tells its story through conversations between the two main characters, the American and the girl. Conflict is created through dialogue as these characters face what most readers believe to be the obstacle of an unexpected pregnancy. Their situation is further complicated by their inability to communicate their divergent opinions to each other. Symbolism and title meaning are other effective means of communicating conflict. To begin, consider the main character's point of view. Single and in his prime, he makes the most of his lifestyle by traveling and seeing new places. The story is set on one of these excursions, at a train station in Spain. Of the complications that could arise in starting a family, one thing is certain for him: travel, sightseeing and his current lifestyle would be things of the past. These are some of her motivating thoughts as she pleads her case for pregnancy termination. He chooses his words advantageously, almost deceptively, when he tries to convince the girl that abortion is an easy surgery: "It's not an operation at all" (275). Those familiar with the abortion procedure can say that it is an operation, and rarely a simple one. This observation reveals how desperate he is to make the decision for the girl. The man further complicates the discussion by contradicting himself. For every time you reassure the girl that she wants what she wants, spend at least one line identifying exactly what she wants. This is clearly seen in the following conversation: “You must understand… that I don't want you to do this if you don't want to. I am perfectly willing… in the middle of the paper, the symbolism and the eternal dilemma of communication problems provide a excellent dialogue, giving the story an interesting twist indicative of his style by Ernest Hemingway: Critical Essays. Ed. Jackson, J. Benson: Duke UP, 1975. 158.Hemingway, Ernest 16 November 1933. Ernest Hemingway/Selected Letters, 1917 -1961. Carlos Baker. New York: The Sons of Charles Scribner, 1981. 400.---, "The Hills as White Elephants." Lindsey, Dr. Victor. Personal Interview, 25 September 1995. Organ, Dennis, "Hills Like White Elephants?" by Hemingway, Sum the English language. 1993 ed.