Blog Assignment #1- Ernest Hemingway

 
     Hemingway's life experiences definitely influence his perspective in his short story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place".  His drinking problem might influence the focus of this story, which is the old man who was an alcoholic that sat in the bar every night.  "Hemingway had an enduring love affair with Spain and the Spanish people" (Putman 1). He lived there for some time, which might be the reason he has a large amount of spanish dialogue at the end of "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place".  Hemingway mentions a random soldier in the beginning of the story which shows us that he is very dear to his war experience. He goes into description about the soldier's collar, which we know is very rare in Hemingway's writing style.  "The street lights shone on the brass number on his collar" (Hemingway 1).  His first hand war experiences must influence this description and choice of character.  Hemingway actually put many of his own characteristics into that older waiter.  The waiter was very selfless like the author and was willing to stay with the old man till 3a.m, similar to Hemingway who proved selfless when he carried a wounded Italian soldier to safety as he was injured, and then became injured again. (Putman 1).  The waiter talks about the cafe as if it is like The Red Cross (like in Hemingway's war experience) or a shelter of some sort.  He says, "with all those who need a light for the night" (Hemingway 2).  "Each night I am reluctant to close up because there maybe someone who needs the cafe" (Hemingway 2).  Hemingway served with the Red Cross so I believe that he is expressing is caring nature through the waiter.  The waiter never wanted to go home which is very similar to Hemingway who felt that he couldn't connect with old friends and family on the home front.  When he describes the old man he says that "he walked unsteadily but with dignity".    He uses this word again when the waiter says "nor can you stand before a bar with dignity".  This word jumps out at me and makes me see him as a war veteran right away. Hemingway's life experiences clearly influence his writing style and his choice of characteristics in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place".