Write a 4-5 page essay on any two of Carver’s short stories. 

In this essay I want you to use some of the following terms to discuss two parallel stories in Carver’s collection.  The literary terms are the following: characterization, dialogue, plot, conflict, setting, climax, resolution, theme, symbolism, metaphor, and theme. Choose two or three of these terms and discuss how they are used in the stories. You may discuss POV, who is telling the story. Also, discuss the social messages Carver is trying to explore in his work.

One of the themes he often uses is the conflict between men and women. He often exposes us to characters who drink and smoke, working-class people who have had rough lives. Carver often sets his stories in suburban America, which, in a sense, is one of his major themes. There are also conflicts between parents and their children. Many of his characters are isolated, damaged, and lonely. We will discuss  this more in class this week and next.

Make sure you use the titles of the stories, the author’s name, and use quotes from the stories