Language
The language of “Popular Mechanics” by Raymond Carver is characterized by short, concise sentences, the use of colloquial, irony and a detached tone.
The short sentences do not only make the language simple and easy to follow but also help further enhance the idea of separation, of an end which cannot be avoided: “He did not answer. He fastened the suitcase, put on his coat, looked around the bedroom before turning off the light.”
Most of the story is conveyed through dialogue, which is also brief and marked by colloquial expressions: "Son of a bitch! I’m so glad you’re leaving! She began to cry. You can’t even look me in the face, can you?”
When narrative passages are employed, they are mostly used for inserting certain symbols, while the irony of language is suggested through the title and the narrator’s concluding remark: “In this manner, the issue was decided.”
Apart from these general features of the language, the author also resorts to some stylistic devices:
- Imagery
- Repetition
- Symbols
Imagery
Imagery is created using descriptive words and refers to overall images related to characters, setting, and action. The short story begins by creating imagery related to the setting and the winter atmosphere:
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Symbols
Symbols fill the story and add meaning to its themes and plot.
First of all, the snow “melting into dirty water” becomes a symbol of the degradation of the characters’ relationship. Most likely, in the beginning, they had a beautiful relationship much as the white snow.
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