Internal and External Conflicts:
The
internal conflict lies within the old man's struggle with loneliness
and the search for meaning in his life. The
external conflict arises from the contrast between the younger
waiter's impatience and the older waiter's empathy towards the old
man's situation.
Composition
of the Story:
The
story can be divided into the following parts:
a)
The Exposition: Introduction of the characters and setting (the
late-night cafe).
b)
The Development: Dialogue between the waiters about the old man's
situation and the younger waiter's impatience.
c)
The Climax: The old man's request for another drink and the younger
waiter's refusal to serve him.
d)
The Denouement: The old man's departure and the older waiter's
internal monologue reflecting on the human condition.
Stylistic
Devices:
Hemingway
employs various stylistic devices, including repetition ("nada"
repeated several times in the older waiter's internal monologue),
symbolism (the well-lighted cafe representing a sanctuary), and
contrast (between the younger and older waiters' perspectives).
Conclusion:
"A
Clean Well Lighted Place" is a poignant exploration of
existential loneliness, the human need for connection, and the
contrast between youth and old age. Hemingway's understated yet
powerful writing style effectively conveys the depth of human
experience and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless
world.