Throughout life, humans often question their own existence. Existentialism is a philosophy that is centered upon the human existence, it focuses on individuals finding a reason for living within themselves. This reason is a truth in themselves, a truth that they must be able to live for, this truth is based on the premise that nothing is preordained and that there is no fate. "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" is a story about men in the philosophy of existentialism, ultimately trying to find a reason for their existence.
The soldier in the story is the first example of existentialism. The soldier does not believe in a higher power and he doesn't recognize the existence of nothingness. What he does know is that there is something missing, something in his life to feel good about. The absence of this good feeling is why he joined the service. He felt it would give him something to believe in, a purpose in life, living to fight and die for his country. Although something is still missing, the soldier has not found a truth for himself, a truth worth living for. The soldier is left with the feeling of nothingness, a feeling that he attempts to discard of though the act of sexual gratification. The younger waiter recognizes what the soldier is after, "What does it matter if he gets what he's after?"(288). This experience in the end will only leave the soldier feeling more unhappy and empty inside.
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The young waiter is the second example of existentialism. He is aware of the nothingness of an existential life. He sees it in the soldier as well as the old man. He realizes the soldier will still feel the same or even worse after it is over. However, he does not quite know how to deal with it. The young waiter tries to use his relationship with his wife as his truth, the reason of his existence. "I have a wife waiting in bed for me"(289). The young waiter acts as if he is certain of his role in life when he says, "I have confidence.