The setting Earnest Hemmingway chose for Hills Like White Elephants is Spain in the 1920's.  The short story begins with a very clear description of the landscape that surrounds the male and female as they talk and try new drinks outside the train station.  Hemmingway describes the setting as being baron, " The Hills across the valley of Ebro were long and white", there was "no shade" and "no trees".   Hemmingway's initial description is seen by the reader as being dull, empty, depressing and lifeless.  This landscape is a reflection of the situation the couple finds themselves in and possibly a hint as to where their relationship may be headed.  Hemmingway writes this story from a third person point of view and in doing so creates a feeling of wonder and uncertainty because we know very little about the characters.  This causes the...