Unhappily Ever After
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Falling in love is a desire that most people share. Being whisked away in a chariot by a soul mate is a fantasy that has been imprinted into the minds of men and women by the many fairytales that begin with "once upon a time" and end in "happily ever after". Romance novels continue the trend of fairytales by offering a more tangible storyline for people to be able to embody. These love stories regarding beautiful yet simple women falling in love with a typical prince charming are intended for audiences seeking a passionate storyline that they can hope to emulate in their own lives. The roller coaster of passion and despair, as well as intrigue that romance novels provide allow an escape from everyday experience by creating a perplexing love story that ends with the hero and heroine falling in love despite problematic circumstances. This type of formulaic story excludes any obstacles that may draw away from the major interest of love. Ernest Hemingway's story "Hills Like White Elephants," appears to merely show the conversation between a man and a woman, but actually Hemingway shows the conflict between a couple over the issue of abortion that plagues their relationship. According to most formulaic romances, the story should begin with giving the idea that the hero and heroine will resolve their differences. However, by the very nature of the hero and heroine's discussion throughout "Hills Like White Elephants," Hemingway resists the formulaic love story to present a more realistic and problematic issue that is more pertinent to real relationships than simply romance.
Although it is never directly stated, the story is based on the issue of abortion, which the hero and heroine cannot seem to resolve...