Ernest Hemingway did a good job in setting up the theme of "Talking versus Communicating" as it shows that neither the couple nor the two truly understand both of their points of view. The American can be seen as frustrated and will say anything to get Jig to agree to “the operation” (Hemingway 520). Jig, meanwhile, is hesitant to proceed with the abortion just to continue their travels together. Later in their conversation Jig exclaims "please, please, please, please stop talking", realizing the futility of their relationship together. Looking closely the couple simply "dance around each other and on the issue at hand without ever saying anything significant to each other", leaving them helpless. This alone conveys the theme of “Talking versus Communicating” because speaking is rather a more effective way to communicate your thoughts. According to Dr. Melanie M. Maddison “for an effective relationship to strengthen, it is necessary that in any state the conversation be present, rather than deciding on decisions, holidays and other topics in that line”. Therefore, Jig and the American man both do not demonstrate methods of talking, but rather of communicating the other's personal benefit resulting from their situation. Ernest Hemingway did a great job of bringing this topic forward