The Elements of Fiction #4

"A Clean. Well-Lighted Place" by Ernest Hemingway

Tone and Style

This picture depicts Hemingway's use of a dispassionate tone. Hemingway simply reports what the waiters do and say in staccato dialogue. He is reporting what is happening. Likewise, the individual in the photo appears nonchalant and apathetic; avoiding eye contact with the camera. The young waiter in the story has no regard for the old alcoholic man that frequents the cafe every night. This young waiter is constantly putting himself before the old patron. In one instance he states that an hour means more to him than it does to the old man. He even goes as far to say that the old man should have killed himself just so the young waiter could go home a little earlier every night. The style that Hemingway writes in is very reserved yet still descriptive. Like the picture it seems that Hemingway has a lot to say but it is muted and opinions are left to the viewer/reader.