Dealing with Despair

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What gives a life meaning? Some might say that family, friends, religious values, or even money give meaning to their life, but what about the people who do not have any of these things? In Earnest Hemingway’s short story “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place,” two characters are portrayed as being in despair. These older gentlemen have explicit reasons for their grief however. Hemingway presents the central theme of despair throughout the story by the use of dialogue, images, and multiple viewpoints. Through the use of these three literary tools, Hemingway is able to reiterate that without family, friends, or values life is ultimately meaningless. One of the first elements that Hemingway uses to communicate his central theme is dialogue. Throughout the story, the central focus is put onto the main character, the old man. The reader learns that through a series of many unfortunate events that the old man is deaf, has no family, and is frequently drunk. The reader is also introduced to two other characters which are referred to as the younger waiter and the older waiter. The first instance of despair is directed towards the old man. As the younger waiter is serving the old man he claims, “You should have killed yourself last week” (143). This episode shows that the old man is in a constant state of desperation. The statement is able to evoke compassion from the reader because it is clear that the old man feels as if his life is meaningless. Unlike the old man, the younger waiter has a wife, a set of values, and he is living the life that has been granted to him. As the younger waiter is anticipating to leave he expresses his feelings to the older waiter saying, “He’s lonely. I’m not lonely. I have a wife waiting in bed for me” (144). This... ... middle of paper ... ...as not fear or dread. It was a nothing that he knew too well” (146). The older waiter is so far into his routine that he has nothing; nothing to live for except the same thing every day. Each of these views suggest that both the old man and the older waiter live a life without meaning. They live each day in the same manner and ultimately feel despair. The central theme surrounding despair is clearly shown through the use of the three literary devices. Through the information that has been gathered, the reader can conclude that both of these men are so absorbed into their own grief that they live each day as shallow as the last. Despair is revealed through living by a daily routine, masking sorrow, and being stuck living with the same bad habits. A life without meaning is pointless; live a life where there are no regrets and where positive moments occur every day.

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