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In the short story, “A Clean Well Lighted Place”, Hemingway explores his existential beliefs concerning the reasons for human existence. He sets the story during the Spanish civil war and employs three characters to communicate his views. In the story Hemingway espouses his belief that human beings should not deny their desires, arguing that true happiness lies in the individual’s ability to live their life with a sense of personal dignity. He proposes that …

…arrived at this understanding but the young waiter is incapable of comprehending this realisation. At the beginning of the story, it is ironic that the old man who is enlightened about life, is seated in the shadows whereas the young waiter who is in the dark about life, is seated in the light of the café. Primary literary tools used: a) direct speech b) third person limited npov – narrated interior monologue c) parody d) characterisation