Popular Mechanics by Raymond Carver

729 Words2 Pages

Popular Mechanics by Raymond Carver Works Cited Not Included Typically a story begins with an exposition, which introduces the characters, setting and plot. In the short story ?Popular Mechanics? by Raymond Carver, the exposition is excluded. The story begins with a short rise in action, moves quickly to the climax and totally omits the resolution. Carver uses third person objective narration to reveal the actions and the dialogue between a man and a woman. The narrator gives very little descriptive details, never revealing the characters? thoughts or their motivation. This allows the reader the freedom to interpret and develop their own opinions of the setting, plot, and characters of the story. This also stimulates the reader to be an active reader?to think about what is read, to ask questions, and to respond to the authors? style of writing. Firstly, the narrator gives little detail throughout the whole story. The greatest amount of detail is given in the first paragraph where the narrator describes the weather. This description sets the tone and mood of the events that follow. Giving the impression that a cold, wet, miserable evening was in the making. ?But it was getting dark on the inside too? (265), this foreshadowing reveals that not only was the day coming to an end, but something else was about to end. Carver leaves further development of the setting to the imagination of the reader. It could take place in any century or in any city, state, or country. There have been male-female relationships since the beginning of time, in every corner of the world. The story is universal and timeless. This lack of detail allows readers to develop a setting that fits with their lifestyle. Secondly, there is no... ... middle of paper ... ...l of the relationship. Carver relies on the readers? knowledge of these popular stereotypes instead of telling you about each character. In conclusion, Carver ends with, ?In this manner, the issue was decided.? (266). The lack of explicit detail in ?Popular Mechanics? leaves the reader free to develop their own resolution. A different ending could be attached to every additional reading. Did the man take the baby? Did the woman? Was the baby hurt or killed? Due to the lack of detail this story could be read over and over and the reader could change the setting, plot and characterization each time. Carver takes into consideration a reader?s ability to be an active reader and their ability to incorporate their own ideas into his story. Thus, the need for lengthy detailed descriptions is not necessary, only a reader?s perception and imagination is needed.

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