Bar Quote by Robert Liparulo
““A dingy emblem on the door depicted a little boy peeing into a pot. The rest of the bar was equally drab and tasteless. Dim bulbs behind red-tasseled lamp shades barely illuminated each of a dozen maroon vinyl booths, which marched along one wall toward the murky front windows. Chipped Formica tables anchored the booths in place. Opposite the row of booths was a long, scarred wooden bar with uncomfortable-looking stools. Behind the bar, sitting on glass shelves in front of a cloudy mirror, were endless rows of bottles, each looking as forlorn as the folks for whom they waited. He caught the strong odors of liquor and tobacco smoke, and the weaker scents of cleaning chemicals and vomit. In one of the booths , two heads bobbed with the movement of mug-clenching fists. A scrawny bartender with droopy eyelids picked his teeth with a swizzle stick and chatted quietly with a woman seated at the bar. Otherwise the bar was empty.””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Bar,” Robert Liparulo, 2015
A bleak bar setting illustrates decay and human despondency, highlighting loneliness and decay.
In simple terms: A dirty bar shows emptiness and sorrow.
Key Takeaway
Notice how environments reflect inner states.
Themes
decay
loneliness
despair
Mood
somber
melancholic
Type
literary
descriptive
When to use this quote
- nightlife observation
- writing setting
- psychological analysis
Key Concepts
urban decay
human condition
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the setting reveal about the characters?
- How does environment affect mood?
A Different Perspective
The description may romanticize decay.
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