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Of Nihilism In Ernest Hemingway's A Clean Well-Lighted Place

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As the Oxford English Dictionary states, the word ‘nothing’ is defined as “something of no importance or concern”. To suggest that life itself could mean ‘nothing’ is very startling, and to some may even be considered disturbing. How could life – everything that anyone does anywhere in the world – ultimately have no meaning? The philosophical notion of nihilism explores this unsettling idea. Nihilism argues that human existence is without meaning, purpose, truths, or values; essentially, it proposes that life is a vast pit of nothingness. In the short story A Clean Well-Lighted Place, Ernest Hemingway explores this concept. Through the perspectives of two waiters about an old, drunken man who stays at their bar for hours upon hours each night, …show more content…

He understands that the old waiter stays up and drinks because “he likes it”. Moreover, when the young waiter proclaims that “an old man is a nasty thing”, the old waiter does not disagree. However, he does defend the old man, pointing out how “he drinks without spilling” and notices the little dignity the old man has left. Whereas the young waiter is quick to dismiss the notion that the old man chooses to drink in their bar for a reason other than for the sake of drinking, the old waiter understands the significance of their bar. The “clean and pleasant café” is “well-lighted”; for those who are lonely, darkness only adds to their misery. Being in the light for as long as possible represents one last futile attempt to withhold their despair each night. Additionally, the old waiter sympathizes with the old man because he recognizes at some point in his life, he will need someone to keep the bar open for him. Similar to the old man, the old waiter is “of those who like to stay late at the café” and “those who need a light for the night”. He knows “there may be someone who needs the café”. Ultimately, the older waiter is much more tolerant, understanding and aware than the dismissive, impetuous younger waiter. He, like the old man, knows the feeling of nothingness that can drive a person to their ultimate

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