Analysis
The short story “Neighbors” by Raymond Carver has a linear plot structure, and the tension in the story rises with every visit to the apartment across the hall. Several foreshadowing elements highlight the ending, which is open.
The story’s most important characters are Bill and Arlene Miller. They are unhappy with their lifestyle and try to live a fantasy life by experiencing their neighbours’ lifestyle. Sadly, this kind of escapism ends badly for them.
The story takes place in the USA, and the physical setting of two neighbouring, but very different, apartments is key to the story.
The events are described by a limited, third-person narrator. The narrator presents events in an objective way where the focus is on showing rather than telling us what is going on and why. However, the narrator does offer some insight into the thoughts and feelings of Bill Miller.
The language of the story is generally told in a minimalist style, but makes use of a few similes and central symbols.
You can read a full analysis of the short story on the following pages.