Inevitable Insomnia

Ernest Hemingway’s “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” should not be mistaken for a meaningless short story. Its briefness, if anything, should be an indication of the importance of every word. The story depicts what might appear to be an everyday situation; however, Hemingway manages to establish an essential life lesson within the simple story. None of the characters are given names, suggesting the universality of the story and, more importantly, the story’s message. The lack of names implies that the message should apply to all “men,” young and old. The apparent declaration of universal application is bold and creates high expectations. It also makes the reader wonder: What exactly is Hemingway’s intended message and how will he present and develop it in such a short piece? Hemingway’s “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” develops a universal message of empathy and understanding through a series of contrasting elements in a relatable setting.

Hemingway sets up four strikingly obvious contrasts within the story. Three of the four are introduced in the opening paragraph, perhaps saving the best for last. The first comparison the readers are exposed to is that of young and old. The first sentence refers to an “old man.” Thus it can be assumed that there are characters younger than the old man. Note, however, Hemingway’s use of “an” rather than “the” when referring to the old man, suggesting his universality and the unimportance of further identification. The theme of young versus old is perhaps the most dealt with throughout the story. There is a sense of progression among the three characters. One is “young.” One is “older.” One is simply “old.” The youngest is confident, selfish, and focused on solely material aspects of life. He shows absolutely no empathy for the old man. The oldest is lonely and depressed. He has lost interest in material possession and seeks things money cannot buy, cleanliness and light. The two men are set up as complete opposites. The addition of a third intermediate character creates irony and significance. The older man is able to relate to both other men. He entertains the young man’s questions and is able to relate to him. However, he is also able to understand the old man and even defends him. The older man recognizes that he will soon be in the same situation. The irony here is that the young man will eventually progress into the same later stages of life that he is disrespecting and criticizing. He fails to realize his own fate displayed right before his eyes. When he says, “An old man is a nasty thing[,]” the inherent irony is perfectly obvious. Every young man will progress into an old man; the young are blind to their own fate as it slowly creeps up on them.

The next comparisons are dealt with in a lesser sense but are equally as significant. Hemingway sets up a contrast between light and dark as well as between cleanliness and dirt. Both the old and older man understand the importance of a “clean well-lighted place.” The young man is baffled by this concept and mentions that “bodegas [are] open all night long.” After work, the older waiter seems to consider the younger waiter’s suggestion by going to a bar. However, he is met only with disappointment. He appreciates the bright lighting in the bar but is turned off by the lack of cleanliness. The waiter heads home to a dark lonely room. He waits until the sun rises to fall asleep, diagnosing his problem as insomnia. The older waiter cannot fall asleep in the dark; he is only comfortable relaxing in the light. The young waiter, however, is anxious to return home to his wife and get to sleep before the morning. The two are complete opposites, and yet destined to the same eventual fate.

The fourth contrast Hemingway sets up is a contrast between understanding and ignorance. Hemingway implies that understanding and empathy are acquired with age. The young are oblivious and ignorant until their impending destiny becomes inescapable. Ultimately, old age brings a realization of the wasted youth years consumed by ignorance. Unfortunately, all three men in the story wait too long to make this realization and condemn themselves to an old-age filled with regret and loneliness. Hemingway successfully portrays the ironic gap between generations within “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place.” The question left for the reader to answer is how can this unfortunate gap be avoided?

If the young remain preoccupied with material possessions and do not even attempt to feel empathy for their elders, they will fall into the same pattern portrayed in the story. Consequently, if the young can learn to see value in light and cleanliness and come to respect and understand their elders, they might be able to avoid a lonely destiny. Hemingway proposes that one must learn to appreciate the light early on in life or be doomed to chronic “insomnia.” (825)

Who is to Blame?

I can think of many situations that would, to an extent, “justify” a teenager running away from home. Perhaps running away from home is never the best solution. However, it is at the very least understandable under certain intolerable circumstances. Donny’s at-home environment in Anne Tyler’s “Teenage Wasteland” does not even come close to one of these reasonable justifications for running away. Donny has a mother Daisy who is willing to dedicate herself completely towards helping her son. Unfortunately her efforts are in vain. Daisy has an unappreciative son who is consumed in self-pity. Donny fails to recognize that he is not the only teenager suffering from, G-d forbid, curfews and homework. His mind is so self-centered that he has lost the ability to appreciate what he is so lucky to have, a mother who is willing to do anything for her son. Donny does not deserve Daisy.
At times, Daisy is entirely confused in her methods of helping Donny. However, all of her efforts are put forth with love and with the best of intentions. Donny searches for his mother’s flaws and, of course, fails to appreciate her unconditional love. He continues to misbehave and disrespect his mother. Daisy is so accustomed to her son’s disrespect that she can not even recognize it. This is perhaps Daisy’s essential flaw as a parent. She fails to assert herself as an authoritative figure. This leads to Donny’s assumption of their equality and his right to criticize and blame his mother for his own faults. Regardless of Daisy’s failure to command respect, Donny should be able to acknowledge his mother’s devotion and respect her nonetheless.
The story concludes with Donny’s ultimate act of selfishness. He runs away from his completely unbearable situation at home and does not return for at least three months. Poor Daisy is left to live in wonder. She wonders where her son has gone. She wonders why he has left. She wonders what she has done wrong and what she could have done differently to prevent him from leaving. Donny, no doubt, does not even consider how his running away might affect his mother. Donny’s selfishness has condemned his parents to believe they are failures. Daisy is not a prefect parent. However, no parent who showers love and help as freely as Daisy does deserves to believe he or she has failed as a parent. Daisy did the best she could. Donny wanted more.
The story’s focus on Daisy as the active parent makes the reader wonder: where is Donny’s father and why does he receive no blame? When Donny acts up in school, Daisy meets with the principal. When Donny’s grades fall, Daisy supervises Donny’s homework habits. Finally, when Donny runs away, Daisy assumes responsibility. Donny’s self-centered nature is not Daisy’s fault. My purpose for writing this blog is to prevent readers from automatically placing the blame on Daisy. She is an easy target. However, Matt is equally as responsible and ultimately, Donny should be held accountable for his own mistakes.