In “Hills like White Elephants,” the American points out to Jig, “if you don't want to, you don't have to. I wouldn't let you do it if you don't want to. But I know it is perfectly simple” (Hemingway, 311). The American uses these words consistently throughout the story as a technique to convince Jig to consider an abortion. The American uses persistence to effectively control Jig mentally and influence her towards a certain decision. Furthermore, the American reassures the girl: “I love you now. You know I love you” (Hemingway, 311). Here, the man attempts to appeal to the girl emotionally. The man uses affection to uplift Jig's spirits, which is another attempt to convince her to proceed with the abortion. He tells Jig, “[The baby] is the only thing that bothers us. It's the only thing that made us unhappy” (Hemingway, 311). Throughout the story, the American man seems to be selfish, because he never seems to take into consideration the girl's feelings or opinions regarding the operation. For the man it seems that the child is just an obstacle that only blocks his happiness. The American's selfish statements and pleas suggest that he did not care about the future of his unborn child