A Clean Well Lighted Place by: Ernest Hemingway

Part 1
1- The setting takes place in a peacful little country side somewhere where Spanish is spoken quite fluently. The idea of a well lit place is seemingly significant to the story because it represents the "light" in the cafe. The Cafe took on this sort of peaceful escape with its perfectly lit ambiance, it acted as an excape away from the cruelty of the world. The lonely old man used this place as a sacred "get away" to drink his troubles away, alone, and in solitude. Furthermore, the contrasting symbols of darkness and light are used in the story to show the contrast of fear and the feeling of security. A swept away haven for those who are depserately clinging to their dignity.

2- I feel as though the characters remain nameless for the simple fact that they are not the true significance to the story. Without the use of names the conversation between everyone is easier to re-inact and visualize in your mind as you follow along. Hemingways purpose for the short story was to put focus where focus is crucial.

3- Darkness causes fear in some people, the cafe however acted as a perfectly well lit surrounding where those don't have to fear furthermore. The lighting in the cafe is one that was used for people to admit their fears and become one with the fearless. Light acts as a symbol of comfort, security, and togetherness. The old man and the older waiter are afraid of despair, and afraid of the darkness that comes along with. Although the two do not deal with their incarnation the same way, their views on life act as one. The younger waiter however has someone back home, someone who provides a sense of security and companionship. A sense of "light". Each character responds to their fear of nothingness completely different. The three each show possibilities in dealing with their insecurities. Leaving only one, to come up with a positive option for resolutuion.

4-

Exposition/complication-The setting takes place in a quaint spanish speaking town. A majority of the story revolves around a small cafe where the towns people often gather to discuss lifes everyday obsticles and small talk. There are only three characters in this story that remain nameless but play vital roles in "A Clean Well Lighted Place". Character 1: young waiter, character 2: older waiter, character 3: an old rich fellow that is often seen as the town lush. The initial problem in this short story lies in the heart of the cafe during the midst of the night. An old deaf man sits out on the patio enjoying glass after glass of brandy as the cafe is slowly winding down. The young waiter is impatient as the old man is in no rush to leave, rather the waiter insists on closing down before the usual hour. The older waiter insists they keep the cafe open for just a while longer so the old man can enjoy his evening. This is where conflict arises.

Crisis Decision- As the two waiters both very different in age, they seem to share a completely different take on what decision to make. Being the younger waiter, he is naive and selfish. Thinking only of himself. The older waiter uses this time to shed some wisdom and "light" onto the situation. He tries to convince the younger gentleman... "I am one of those who like to stay late at the cafe . . . With all those who do not want to go to bed. With all those who need a light for the night . . . I am reluctant to close up because there may be some one who needs the cafe." Seemingly the younger waiter has nothing left to argue and continues with the decision to close the cafe.

Climax- Where will the old lonely drunken man go? The Cafe closes down and the old man is forced into the lonely darkness. Without a peep he pays his tab and drunkenly strides off into the unknown..dignified yet full of despair. The younger waiter's argument is that there are plenty of bodegas open at this hour,while the older claims that this cafe holds something to peacful and serene. It's clean and well lit, it provides a sense of whole and comfort. "The light is very good and also, now, there are shadows of the leaves." The young waiter has yet to show any signs of fear what so ever, all is right in his world. Without a care in the world, the two waiters seperate just as the old man had done just moments before. The younger rushes home, where is lover awaits him. The older waiter proceeds to another bodega for a night cap where he drinks alone and is left with thoughts of the old man. The older waiter is humble while he does not posess a fear of explaining humanity, but discusses its beyond him. Feeling uncomfotable and unsatisfied, he leaves. It's a touching story between confidence and youth...solitary and despair.

Denouement- “He disliked bars and bodegas. A clean, well-lighted cafe was a very different thing. Now, without thinking further, he went home to his room. He would lie in the bed and finally, with daylight, he would go to sleep. After all, he said to himself, it is probably only insomnia. Many must have it.”

5- If you seek darkness you will forever be seperated from the world, it's only if you look in the right place will you see the light.

Part 2

A fabulous author of life and literature Ernest Hemingway composed many novels and a collection of short stories. His strong influence stemmed from the 1920's where he found his passion for writing throught the world wars. It was then he composed his first novel, "The Sun Also rises". Throughout his lifetime he accomplished a number of famous literature pieces, almost as many as he had wives. From the 1920's-1950's Mr. Hemingways disitnctive writing style touched the hearts of many. Sadly in the summer of 1961 Ernest Hemingway commited suicide. Although some of his work left uncompleted, he is now known to be one of the most amazing authors of American Literature.