In Ernest Hemingway's short story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," there are three main characters: the old man, the younger waiter, and the older waiter.
The old man is a deaf, elderly patron of the café who sits at the same table every night until late in the evening. He is a lonely, isolated figure who seems to find solace in the bright, bustling atmosphere of the café. Despite his hearing loss, the old man is able to sense the presence of others and respond to their gestures and expressions.
The younger waiter is a brash, impatient young man who is annoyed by the old man's presence and wants him to leave so that he can close the café and go home. The younger waiter is rude and dismissive of the old man, and he seems to view him as a burden rather than a human being.
The older waiter, on the other hand, is a more compassionate and understanding figure. He recognizes the old man's need for companionship and the comfort of the café, and he tries to extend his stay as long as possible. The older waiter understands that the old man is "clean and satisfied" in the well-lighted café, and he believes that it is important to provide him with a place where he can find some measure of peace and solitude.
Overall, the three characters in "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" represent different stages of life and different approaches to dealing with loneliness and isolation. The old man represents the elderly and their struggles with loneliness and fading senses, while the younger waiter represents the impatience and lack of understanding of youth. The older waiter, on the other hand, represents wisdom and compassion, and he serves as a reminder that it is important to treat others with kindness and respect, no matter their age or circumstances.
