“I like bars just after they open for the evening. When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny and the barkeep is giving himself that last look in the mirror to see if his tie is straight and his hair is smooth. I like the neat bottles on the bar back and the lovely shining glasses and the anticipation. I like to watch the man mix the first one of the evening and put it down on a crisp mat and put the little folded napkin beside it. I like to taste it slowly. The first quiet drink of the evening in a quiet bar—that's wonderful.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis:
In this quote by Raymond Chandler, the author beautifully describes the serene and anticipatory atmosphere of a bar just after it opens for the evening. The attention to detail in the description of the bar, from the cool and clean air to the neat bottles and shiny glasses, creates a sense of calm and elegance. There is a sense of appreciation for the ritual of enjoying the first drink of the evening in a quiet bar, highlighting the simple pleasure of savoring a moment of peace and relaxation.
Modern Relevance
In this quote from Raymond Chandler, the author captures the nostalgic and calming atmosphere of a bar just as it opens for the evening. This depiction resonates with many people today who appreciate the ritual and anticipation of enjoying a drink in a serene setting. Let's explore how this sentiment still holds importance in the modern world.
Raymond Chandler on the Beauty of Bars at Evening
"I like bars just after they open for the evening. When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny and the barkeep is giving himself that last look in the mirror to see if his tie is straight and his hair is smooth. I like the neat bottles on the bar back and the lovely shining glasses and the anticipation. I like to watch the man mix the first one of the evening and put it down on a crisp mat and put the little folded napkin beside it. I like to taste it slowly. The first quiet drink of the evening in a quiet bar—that's wonderful.”
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect on Raymond Chandler's description of enjoying a quiet drink in a bar, we can contemplate our own experiences and feelings in similar settings. Consider the following questions:
- Have you ever experienced the calm and anticipation that Chandler describes when entering a bar just as it opens for the evening? What emotions does this evoke for you?
- How does the environment of a quiet, clean bar with shiny glasses and neat bottles contribute to your enjoyment of a drink?
- Do you find pleasure in observing the meticulous preparation of a drink by the bartender, as Chandler describes? Why or why not?
- What do you think it is about the first drink of the evening in a quiet bar that makes it so wonderful, as Chandler suggests? How does this moment compare to other experiences of enjoyment in social settings?
- Reflecting on your own experiences, what elements of a bar atmosphere contribute most to your enjoyment of a quiet drink? How do these elements vary depending on the bar and the company you are with?
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