In the story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place," what is the significance of the conversation the waiters have about youth and confidence?

In 's
"," the primary conflict between retaining hope and the passage of time is played out
as an old man sits in a cafe and two waiters discuss his repeated presence. In the short story,
the question is asked whether or not hope is futile when we realize that time waits for no one,
as evidenced by the famous "nada" passage. The waiters' conversation about confidence
and youth symbolizes two ways to consider the futility of hope.

The waiters
in the story comment on why the old man continues to come to the cafe, despite the sadness that
has entered into his life in old age. The young waiter remarks that he is all confidence, and
it is this confidence that allows him to live an exciting and youthful life where he "[has]
everything." The young waiter is quick to push the old man out, or to move on and enjoy
life and live it to the fullest. The older waiter, the one who is of those who "like to
stay late at the cafe," is a symbol of patience; he represents those who cling to hope that
there is something awaiting them after life is over. For these two juxtaposing ideas to be in
conversation, readers must think about whether they feel that hope if futile or not, because a
youthful and confident life, though it may be as nice and beautiful as a clean, well-lighted
cafe, may very well be meaningless when all is said and done.