Hills Like White Elephants Summary

An American man and the girl that was with him sat at a table outside building looking at the hills across the valley of Ebro. They were waiting in the heat for the express from Barcelona to arrive. While waiting, the man suggested they drink beer. The girl remained to look at the hills and said that they look like while elephants. Then, they began to argue about never seeing white elephants. It becomes evident that the girl does not understand the native language. They continue to experiment with the different drinks sold at the station. They continue to argue about the types of alcoholic drinks and the girl states that every drink she has tried tastes like licorice, especially all of the things she has waited so long for, like absinthe. They continue their discussion about the hills and this conversation turns into one about an unknown operation. This leads to the couple discussing how this operation is very simple and wouldn't change their lives. It is noted that the man would like the girl to have this operation, but he says only to do so if that is what she wants. The man stresses this is what he wants done, without completely coming out and stating it. The girl says that she will do this to please the man, and that her wants are less important. The girl continues to look at the surroundings and says that they could have everything they wanted. When the man says that this is true, she changes her outlook and argues that it is impossible that they ever have all they want. She then asked if they could have another beer. Afterward, she states that their conversation should come to a halt. The man continues to talk until she continually asks him to stop. The man takes the bags to the other side of the station. He sees that the train isn't coming so detours into the barroom for another drink by himself. Once he leaves the bar, he goes back to the table and asks the girl how she is feeling. She states that she is fine. The overall meaning behind the story is that the girl is planning on having an abortion just because the man wants her to.