Ernest Hemingway's short story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place" uses several literary devices to convey its themes and meaning.
One device used in the story is symbolism. The title of the story itself, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," symbolizes the importance of a safe, peaceful, and comfortable place to escape from the chaos and darkness of the world. The cafe, where the story takes place, represents this clean, well-lighted place, and the two waiters who work there represent the desire for order and meaning in a chaotic and meaningless world.
Another device used in the story is imagery. Hemingway uses vivid descriptions of the cafe and the old man, the two main characters, to create a sense of place and atmosphere. The cafe is described as a "clean, well-lighted place," with "brightly polished" tables and "neat" napkins. The old man is described as deaf, which adds to the sense of isolation and loneliness that he feels.
The theme of loneliness and isolation is also conveyed through the use of irony. The old man is described as being deaf, but he is also described as being "clean" and "well dressed." This ironic contrast between his appearance and his condition highlights the loneliness and isolation that he feels, despite being surrounded by people in the cafe.
Hemingway also uses dialogue to convey the theme of loneliness and isolation. The conversation between the two waiters reveals their different attitudes towards the old man and towards their own lives. The younger waiter is dismissive of the old man and sees his job as a burden, while the older waiter is more compassionate and understanding. This contrast between the two waiters' attitudes towards the old man and towards life itself highlights the theme of loneliness and isolation.
Overall, Hemingway uses a variety of literary devices to convey the themes and meaning of "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place." Through the use of symbolism, imagery, irony, and dialogue, he explores the theme of loneliness and isolation, and the importance of finding a clean, well-lighted place to escape from the chaos and darkness of the world.