Hemingway's theme in A Clean, Well-Lighted
Place is a theme that runs through all of his literature: there is no God, no meaning to this world,
and man must consequently find something to distract himself from his horrible truth. For the
older waiter, a clean, well-lighted caf� is such an escape. This is an artificial light, made
by man for man, yet it is the only way to step out of the darkness of reality: that life is filled with
nothing meaningful.
This completely nihilistic worldview glorifies individuals, like the veteran waiter and the elderly
drinker, who find a method of coping with life's hardships in a graceful, dignified manner. Though
the old man is drunk, he isn't rude or unruly, but polite and well behaved. Despite the obvious
hardships in his life (since he attempts suicide), he doesn't lose his cool, but stays in control of
himself, exhibiting grace under pressure. Such grace, Hemingway asserts, should be the goal of
every individual.
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