A Clean, Well Lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway is story about an older man who visits a cafe on a daily basis. He sits there alone and drinks brandy until he is so drunk that he passes out. He is a well kept man and isn't much of a bother at all, except to one of the younger waiters. This young waiter believes the man is a nuisance. He is incredibly rude to the man and for no reason other than he is selfish man that wants to go home. I waitressed before and I can most certainly understand the frustration of having a late night customer that ties up your table and keeps you from getting home. Never though, have I ever treated anyone the way this young waiter treated this older man. I was appalled at rude remarks, especially when he said he should have killed himself. The audacity of this young boy to think that he was any better or more important was quite shocking. You never know what another person has been through that gets them to the place they are today. I believe you should treat people the same, if not better, than the way you would like to be treated. I think the young waiters behavior was completely uncalled for. The other waiter, who is older can empathize with the man. He understands that sometimes you need a home away from home. A place to feel comfortable and collect your thoughts. I very much like the fact that he stood up for the man and plead his case, even though the young waiter still didn't care. I enjoyed reading this story by Hemingway. I think that it was well written and makes you think. I have always heard good things about Hemingway and his works, however I haven't read much by him. I remember having to read "The Old Man and the Sea" by Hemingway as a summer reading assignment in high school. I thought it was the most boring book ever and it kind of turned me away from his work. I was less than thrilled when I found out I was reading something else by him but it turns out I enjoyed it. Perhaps I will try reading something by him again, maybe even "The Old Man and the Sea." I'm older now and my perspective on things have changed, I think I might enjoy it. Interesting that I think that, especially since how the way you view things when your older is different from when your younger is one of the themes of the story.
I found an adaption of this story. I think they did a pretty good job with it. I hope everyone enjoys.
Submitted by Christina Carbone
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