A Clean, Well-Lighted Place

A Clean Well-Lighted Place like many of John Steinbeck stories comment on human, and social behavior. The two waiters each have their own opinion about the old man in the bar. While the older waiter is more understanding of the old man's desire to spend his time drinking at the bar instead of alone at home the young waiter is only concerned with going home. The old waiter understands that everyone at one point in their lives will be in the same position as the old man and tries to be patient. When one is able to find themselves in another they can more easily understand that other persons actions . On the other hand, the young waiter is restless and arrogantly assumes that because the old man is past his prime, his life is not as important. Just like many teens and young adults the young waiter is only concerned with his own problems and instant gratification. Steinbeck uses this character to convey how many young men and women are so wrapped up in their lives that little matters to them. Steinbeck also comments on the human need to interfere, just as the old man's niece's does when cutting down the old man. People many times interfere with others decisions or beliefs because they themselves are ethically uneasy with the choice they have made. Throughout the story the reader is subtly encouraged to place themselves in the place of each of the characters and to understand the different insecurities and challenges a person faces in different stages of their life. The young waiter is easily offended when his masculinity is challenged, the old waiter worries about becoming unneeded and losing his job, while the old man craves human companionship and a real social life.