Quote Response 6

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place by Ernest Hemingway(Kennedy, pg 147-151)


“You do not understand. This is a clean and pleasant café. It is well lighted. The light is very good and also, now, there shadows of the leaves.” (Kennedy, pg .150)

“…Each night I am reluctant to close up because there may be some one who needs the café.” (Kennedy, pg. 150)


With the first quote, the qualities of a café is stated : Clean, pleasant, and well lighted. The difference between a café versus bodegas/bars is settled within those qualities and the setting that the place emits. A café has a more homey and comfortable feel to it. Basically, it’s the perfect haven for those who need that homey feel but has no home to look forward to. In the story, a rich old-man was unhappy because his home comprise of his niece. Money and wealth does not make the world go round in this case. It’s that feeling of belonging and want and The café is as close to providing that perfect house setting.

With the second quote, compassion is shown by the older waiter. To think , if only the world was a lot more concern like this waiter, then everybody would be a little happier. From the story the younger waiter is concerned with his own affairs because apparently this old-man is an inconvenient factor in his schedule. While it’s understandable that family comes first, it doesn’t mean that you must compensate your compassionate nature. Even if those need are strangers, that’s how stranger remain strangers. Not caring and lack of initiation.