The man and woman spend their last night on Earth sipping coffee, which symbolizes the way that small pleasures can be a source of comfort, joy, and stability. Considering the world is going to end in a matter of hours, it seems strange that the couple would spend their time chatting and idly sipping coffee. However, the husband eventually tells his wife that, besides his family, the only things he’ll really miss on Earth are “the change in the weather, and a glass of ice water when it’s hot, and […] sleeping.” With this, the man points to how small, simple pleasures can be a significance source of happiness. In addition, the couple spends their evening “like always,” which includes reading the newspaper, drinking coffee, and watching television. For the couple, drinking coffee provides a semblance of stability and normalcy to what would otherwise be an anxiety-inducing, chaotic evening.
Coffee Symbol Timeline in The Last Night of the World
