Perspectives
Literary perspective
The short story “A Serious Talk” by Raymond Carver is an example of dirty realism.
Dirty realism usually explores common, everyday events, just like the ones presented in “A Serious Talk”, a story which deals with a man’s unwillingness to allow his estranged wife to rebuild her life. Then, dirty realism is usually written in a simplistic and minimalist style, which allows readers to focus on the plot. This is illustrated by Carver’s choice of short sentences and by the narrator’s lack of involvement in the plot. Finally, dirty realism explores the characters’ inner struggles. In his story, Carver presents how Burt and Vera are affected by miscommunication and their inability to let each other go.
