Ernest Hemingway uses dialogues between a young waiter and an old waiter in "A Clean-Well Lighted Place,"" to develop the characters of the story which centers on a dignified old man who comes into the Spanish café every night. Exploring the differences between the old waiter and the young waiter through their dialogue is significant in showing who the characters are and how the story develops.
The young waiter's character, like many adolescents is illustrated as being impatient, inexperienced, rude, self centered, and disrespectful towards the old man. The first impression of the young waiters insensitivity is stated in the dialogue about the old man's suicide attempt, which according to the young waiter was "nothing- (Ernest par 1), of no importance because, "he has plenty of money- (Ernest par 1). This exhibits the young waiter attitude of the old mans suicide attempt as being trivial and tries to justify his judgment because the old man has money. .
The old waiter is patient, understanding, wise and empathetic to the old man unlike the young waiter. The first indication of the old waiter's concern and empathy towards the old man is demonstrated in his statement, "the guard will pick him up- (Ernest par 2). In comparison, the young waiter has an opposing view and thinks the old man deserves to be picked up when he states, "What does it matter if he gets what he's after? (Ernest par 2)."".
The young waiter also perceives the old man as a nuisance and wished the old man had been successful in committing suicide so he would not have to work late to service the old man as the young waiter stated, " He'll stay all night. I'm sleepy now. I never get into bed before three o clock. He should have killed himself last week- (Ernest par 4). The young waiter is repeatedly only concerned with his own needs when he makes repeated statements with I, such as "I'm sleepy now I never get into beg before three o clock (Ernest par 4).