A Clean, Well – Lighted Place

1. A Clean, Well – Lighted Place Sydney, Laura, Atai, Ceasar, Camille, Julia, Lisa

2. 1. Plot summary Two waiters discuss old man’s drinking habits and compare their own lives to his. The older waiter reveals his nihilistic views.

3. 2. Narration • Third – person omniscient • The narration fluctuates from third – person omniscient to first person. The narrator is the older waiter. The story is mainly told through a dialogue, which reduces the possibility of bias.

4. 3. Characters • Old man – lonely, rich • Younger waiter – confident, married • Older waiter – Although, devoid of confidence and companionship, the older waiter is able to empathize with the old man and the barman.

5. 4. Setting • Spanish – speaking country • Late night • Café – Bar • Written in 1933

6. 5. Topic and Theme • Loneliness • Nothingness

7. 6. Symbol • Light – The light represents order, and those are less confident are more attracted to it such as the older waiter. The older waiter strives for it because he shares this light with others. • Alcohol – symbolizes escape, comfort, illusion and a sense of relief. • Café – represents safety and it’s like a port in the storm. • Shadows – opposite to light, symbolizes mystery.

8. 7. School/Tradition • Existentialism – an act of searching for the meaning in the chaos of our own existence. • Nihilism – a form of skepticism that denies all existence.

9. 8. Style/Tone • Style: minimalist • Tone: apathetic, depressing, emotionless • The tone is very much connected to the theme of nothingness.