Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes the freedom and choice of the individual in determining one's meaning and purpose in life. It is a way of thinking that emphasizes the importance of personal experience, rather than relying on external factors such as religion or society to determine one's purpose. It emphasizes that individuals are responsible for creating their own meaning in life and that the world is inherently meaningless. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Ernest Hemingway's short story, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," explores the concept of existentialism and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. Through the characters and setting of the story, Hemingway portrays the idea of ​​existentialism and the search for meaning in a world that seems empty and meaningless. The story focuses on three characters: an old regular customer of the bar, the youngest waiter who can't wait to close the bar and go home, and the older waiter who sympathizes with the old man and wants to keep the bar open for him. bar. The old man is a symbol of the existential search for meaning, as he spends his nights alone in the bar, trying to find comfort in the light and cleanliness of the place. It is a symbol of the human condition, as he is looking for something that makes him feel alive and connected to the world. The younger waiter represents the opposite of the older one, as he can't wait to close the bar and go home. He is impatient and contemptuous of the old man, and does not understand why the older waiter wants to keep the bar open for him. He represents the idea of ​​conformity, as he is content to follow society's rules and expectations without questioning the meaning of his actions. The older waiter is the character who most embodies the concept of existentialism in the story. He empathizes with the old man and understands his need for a clean and well-lit place. He also understands the importance of individual freedom and choice, as he wants to keep the bar open for the old man, even if it means staying at work longer. He represents the idea of ​​authenticity, as he is true to himself and his values, even if it goes against society's expectations. The setting of the bar also plays a significant role in the story, as it represents a place of refuge and comfort. for the old man. It's a place where he can escape the loneliness and isolation of his life and find a sense of connection and meaning. The cleanliness and light of the cafe serve as symbols of the older man's search for meaning and purpose in his life. The bar is a place where he can find a sense of belonging and purpose, even if only temporary. The older waiter's empathy and understanding towards the old man represents the idea of ​​authenticity and the rejection of society's expectations. He chooses to stay at work longer to keep the bar open for the old man, even though it goes against society's expectations. This act of empathy and understanding towards the elderly person's search for meaning in life illustrates the importance of being true to oneself and rejecting social conformity. The younger waiter, on the other hand, represents the opposite of the older waiter, as he can't wait to close the bar and go home. He is impatient and dismissive of the old man's need for a clean, well-lit place, and represents the idea of ​​conformity, as he is content to follow society's rules and expectations without questioning the meaning of his actions. The contrast between the waiter.