Language

The language of “Why Don't You Dance?” by Raymond Carver is characterized by simplicity and a Standard English with occasional colloquial words and phrases such as “got real pissed” (p. 2, l. 36) or “shit” (p. 2, l.39).

Imagery

The semantic fields used in the story are related to everyday life and housing. A lot of details are given about utensils and furniture in the opening paragraphs (p. 1, ll. 8-28), and imagery (the use of descriptive words to convey mental images)...

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Repetition

The most notable figure of speech used in the short story is repetition which creates motifs and symbols or conveys something about the characters.

The word “glass[es]” appears eight times in the short story. This supports the motif of drinking, and the glasses are also a symbol of fragility (of relationships).

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Symbols

The most important literary device used in the story is symbolism. Many elements of the setting, as well as actions and lines, are open to a symbolical interpretation.

Firstly, the overall way in which the furniture is displayed for the yard sale as it was inside, might symbolize the old man’s need for sharing his story and his life with others, of replicating his life in a free environment. Oppositely, the empty, dark house symbolizes confinement and secrecy.

Separately, some of the furniture items are also symbolical. The bed is an important symbol of intimacy and romantic relationships which is further enhanced by the act of dancing as a symbol of sexual attraction:

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