A Clean Well Lighted Place Hemingway

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In the dark unknown dialogues of Ernest Hemingway short stories symbols can be easily hidden. “A Clean Well Lighted-Place” written by American Ernest Hemingway is a mysterious short story that leaves readers thinking about life filled with nothing. The theme of “A Clean Well-Lighted Place” that life has no meaning unless order and purpose is created individually is supported three symbols of shadows, darkness, and cleanliness.
The use of the symbol of shadows gives readers description about the old man and his thoughts about a dull life and the past that was behind him. “It was late and everyone had left the cafe except the old man who sat in the shadows the leaves made against the electric light”(Hemingway). The first sentence of the short story starts off by …show more content…

“The old sat in the shadow of the leaves of the tree that moved slightly in the wind”(Hemingway). The symbol is repeated showing interest that gives evidence and a reason to infer details about the man’s character. The symbols relates because the darkness of the shadows are self inflicted because the old man choose to sit therefore exposing himself to darkness.
The use of the symbol light and darkness illustrates the battle between nothingness and life with meaning. “It is well lighted. The light is very good, and also, now, there are shadows of the leaves”(Hemingway). This shows the fight the man and the waiter both struggle with. “The light is very bright, and pleasant but the bar is unpolished”(Hemingway). The waiter acknowledges the enjoyable light of the other bar but struggles with the disorder which relates to his darkness. The light and darkness help show the

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