Themes in A Clean, Well-Lighted Place
In any given story, there is always a significance, a lesson to be learned, or a message being conveyed. Discussing the language use and themes portrayed in a story, we get to understand what signal is transmitted. To understand the significance of the passage “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place,” the themes evident are explored.
The short story talks about a deaf older man who is sitting at a café late at night when everyone else had left but for him and two waiters. The older man loves staying up till late at night, which does not seem to impress the young waiter. The two waiters end up discussing the older man’s attempted suicide. The young waiter does not understand why a man as rich as the older man would want to end his own life. As the night continues, the older man asks for another drink angering the younger waiter who cannot wait to get home. He claims he has a wife and sees that the older man does not care about what others feel. The more former waiter understands what, the older man is experiencing. He tries to argue out with the younger waiter is attempting to convince him to follow the older adult. The younger waiter wants to hear none of it and wishes the older man would have gotten through with his suicide attempt. He insults the older man knowing that he cannot be heard. All the young waiter wants is to go home and have a peaceful night’s sleep.
At last, the old deaf man staggers diligently out of the café, and the young waiter asks the older waiter to close the place. The younger waiter goes straight home while, the older waiter goes to a Spanish bar to have some beer before finally going to his house. Sleep is hard to obtain for the more former waiter as he lays in bed, waiting for the next day.
The story talks about the challenges brought about by old age and the darkness that come along with it. While a person is young, they think that what it takes to be happy is money. The young waiter, for instance, says that the old deaf man was delighted because he had money. Old age comes with a lack of sleep and the urge for companionship. The old deaf man spends most of his time at the café observing the numerous people that pass by the chilling spot. These people probably remind him of his youthful days and stir good memories. He does not want to leave the café since going home makes him realize that he has lost what he valued most. Home is where most of his memories with his wife resurface, triggering sadness. While the young waiter had someone to go to, the older man could not feel the same. Drinking helps get rid of memories for a while, and so he spends most of his time at the café. The older waiter understands what the deaf older man is going through since he similarly is experiencing the same. He knows what old age takes from a man, confidence, and even sleep. Old age makes them despise noisy joints and prefer the silence that speaks more than talk.
Old age makes religion seem like a haven. The more former waiter mumbles the lord’s prayer, probably fearing that he might die any time soon. Cleanliness becomes essential as one grows older, the importance becomes more apparent. Age brings about a pearl of certain wisdom that lacks in the youth. Experience is undoubtedly an excellent tutor. The endless thoughts that make one want to communicate with others also probably cause insomnia. Old age seems peaceful, but with it comes the pain of loneliness. The story signifies the importance of giving the old company since that is what they need.
A clean, well-lighted place is an eventful passage that offers an insight into the world of the elderly in an artistic manner. It is an emotional set that teaches people about the importance of spending time with the elderly to reduce their