No Good AnswersThere are few issues for writers of prose, poetry, or spoken word more controversial than abortion. It inflames most who read it, and the problem can rarely be resolved without animosity. Ernest Hemingway and the Ben Folds/Darren Jessee songwriting duo get around this problem by not informing the audience of the final result. This decision is left to each reader or listener. Ernest Hemingway tackles this risky subject in his 1927 short story “Hills Like White Elephants.” The story revolves around a dialogue between lovers waiting for a train. Throughout the conversation, they discuss the merits and pitfalls of a “terribly simple operation…just to let the air in” (840). In the Folds/Jessee song "Brick," a young man recounts his trip with his girlfriend to what is presumed to be an abortion clinic. It's the day after Christmas and the girl's parents have left town. “They’re not here to discover us / And we’re driving.” In the days and weeks that follow, the girl seems more and more distraught until she is forced to confess. Although none of these works mention the word abortion, each provides clues to the subject being discussed. Both couples seem somewhat resigned to the idea of ​​having an abortion, but the discussion is still on the table. In “Hills,” the arguing couple repeatedly mentions the “simple operation” (840). The American remarks that he has “known many people who have done it” (840). Jig comments, “Me too,” but goes on to say, “And then they were all so happy.” » (840). This statement seems tinged with irony. The American continues to insist that all this is “very simple” and “perfectly natural” (840). Jig, however, appears... middle of paper ... whether she had an abortion and was deeply troubled, or whether she was still pregnant and was too afraid to tell anyone whatever. With the couple in Hemingway's "Hills" house, their discussion seems to reach a fever pitch when Jig begs the American to "please, please, please...stop talking?" » (841). After that, the train approaches and everyone returns to their side of the wall without seemingly resolving anything. Although these two works come from very different eras, the truths they contain remain virtually unchanged. Neither Hemingway nor Folds and Jessee offer solutions or pass judgment. They simply present some of the realities of unplanned pregnancies in the hope that someone, somewhere will be spared the agony of this decision. It is never, and should never be, an easy decision to make. However, it is a decision that everyone should make to avoid having to make it..