The American in “Hills Like White Elephants” constantly says how simple a procedure it is when he actually has no knowledge of abortions. She goes on to say that “she need not be afraid because she knows many people who have done it (Hemingway 476). Taking a life, no matter how it is done, is never as simple as saying that other people have done it so don't be afraid. Even if the American says he just wants her to be happy. It is clear that the most important thing is not her safety or happiness, but the possibility for him to live his carefree and burden-free lifestyle (Wyche) . Pushes constantly the conversation even when she asks him to stop. For him the thought of death is an escape from his responsibilities. His indecisiveness is hindering his travel plans and he says if she gets an abortion then he will be happy again and she will be happy too. .He has such a simple and selfish mentality that tells her what she has to do to be happy and that is the only way. At this point the American indirectly said that I can't love you and be happy if we have a child, but if she has this procedure then everything will return to normal. In “A Clean, Well-lighted Place” the protagonist, the young waiter, has a similar vision but in a different situation. The waiter continually says that he “wishes the old man had just killed