Dec 30, 2009

A Clean, Well-Lighted Place | Summary

The story begins at a cafe very late at night. Two waiters are watching their last, lingering customer, an old man who is by now very drunk. These are the story’s three major characters. The older of the two waiters informs the young one that the old man tried to commit suicide the previous week. They then watch a couple go by, a soldier and a young woman, and comment on the soldier’s chances of going undetected after curfew.

Next, the young waiter moves into action. When the old man indicates that he wants another drink served, the young waiter mutinies. He decides he...