In the following essay, Kerner discusses the ambiguity of the dialogue between the two waiters and the importance of understanding who says what, and why.

Since Warren Bennett's 13,000-word defense— concluding, "All printings of ["A Clean Well- Lighted Place"] should, therefore—in fairness . . . most of all, to Hemingway—follow the 1965 emended text"—has passed muster with Paul Smith, the earlier cries of "Enough!" were premature: a comprehensive demonstration of the accuracy of Hemingway's text is needed, lest we wake up one day to find the emendation enshrined in the Library of America. The need is evident too when Gerry Brenner can write: "must we know which waiter answers the question 'How do you know it was nothing?' with 'He has plenty of money.'? I think not." One cannot take this answer away from the younger waiter without redistributing 19 other speeches; and...