Structure

Short stories are usually organized around a simple structure which we call plot. They have a beginning or an exposition, presenting the intrigue and the characters; a middle, in which the main action takes place leading to a high point we call climax; and an ending, including the falling action and the resolution.

However, this structure is not always respected by all authors, particularly in more modern stories. “A Clean, Well-Lighted Place” by Ernest Hemingway is actually devoid of plot;

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Title

The title of the story does not really announce what the story is going to be about. It suggests that it is about a place that is comfortable, yet we do not know why this place is important and for whom.

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Beginning

The story starts with an introductory paragraph, presenting the characters and the setting. However, this introduction lacks precision, hooking readers’ attention. We do not really know who the waiters or the old man are:

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Middle

The rest of the story renders the conversation of the two waiters about the old drunk man, about youth, the passage of time and the nearing of death. We cannot really talk about increasing points of tension.

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Ending

The story has an open ending, without anything spectacular about it. The old waiter comforts himself by assuming he has insomnia and that is the reason why he sees everything in a pessimistic way.

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