Hills like White Elephants

In "Hills Like White Elephants" Hemmingway exposes the complexities of a relationship between an American man and a girl. The main focus in on the character's reaction about the unexpected pregnancy, how they will deal with it and if reconciliation was possible. By using an objective point of view, Hemmingway is able to avoid biasing the reader in favour of either character. A great writer of his time, Hemmingway manages to show both the power struggle between the couple and the subtle shifts in control, without ever describing the actual tone of their words.
The American man is trying to convince the girl to terminate the pregnancy, presumably so he can terminate their relationship guilt-free. She is trying to figure out what is more likely to get him to stay, get an abortion or keep the baby. While showing the American man her feelings the girl restrains herself from the true emotional outburst a woman in her situation would have. The character's roles are very distinctive in this story. The American man is strong and smart, he takes control by ordering drinks and taking the initiative to begin the conversation. The girl is quiet, almost subservient on every issue except the pregnancy. Coincidentally or not, the one thing the man does not act like he has control over is the unborn child