"Popular Mechanics" by Raymond Carver

After reading Raymond Carver’s short story, “Popular Mechanics,” it became apparent how important the characters actions were to communicate the tone to the reader. There is minimal description of any setting within the story and the dialogue is limited, so the details Carver includes regarding the actions of the characters contribute greatly towards the plot. The story is focused on a couple who is splitting up, but these actions tell the true severity and anger within their situation. Carver writes, “He did not answer. He fastened the suitcase, put on his coat, looked around the bedroom before turning off the light,” (Carver). Because of the man’s lack of response and controlled behavior, it becomes obvious that the relationship between the characters is not good. Furthermore, the fact that Carver mentions the woman wiping her eyes shows that whatever had happened between the two, it had brought her to tears. Lastly, the final interaction between the two people and their baby shows the true hatred behind their relationship. Because they are so upset with each other, both parents become detached enough to disregard their child safety and pull him apart quite literally. While such actions are very unlikely, they truly helped Carver portray the deep hatred within the relationship, to the point where they would destroy their child.