illustration of train tracks with low hills in the background and one of the hills has the outline of an elephant within it

Hills Like White Elephants

by Ernest Hemingway

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Is this story plotted or situational?

(plotted story comprises all four elements: introduction, development, climax and resolution, while situational story concentrates only on character's inner conflicts)

Expert Answers

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This story takes place as a type of snapshot into the lives of a young couple with an important decision to make.  The plot of the story is basically nonexistent; all that actually happens is a conversation over beers at a remote trainstation in Spain.

The dialogue carries the story and allows the reader to delve into the minds of the characters.  We see a young girl, pregnant, who desires to leave the irresponsible life behind and to embark upon a settled life with her boyfriend and a baby.  Unfortunately, the boyfriend does not feel the same way.

Thus, the story is situational.

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