Perspectives

Literary perspectives

The short story “Galveston” by Frederick Barthelme has several elements of post-modernist literature. At the same time, the short story also has elements of dirty realism.

One such element is the rejection of traditional structure in the storyline. The events are not presented chronologically, a…

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Works with the same theme

“A Very Short Story” by Ernest Hemingway also features a failed romantic relationship. While the soldier and Luz in Hemingway’s story have different values which lead to an open conflict and ultimately a break-up, the narrator and Rachel in “Galveston” seem content to linger on in a relationship where they both feel nothing, until Rachel asks for a divorce. Both the soldier and Luz, as well as the narrator and Rachel feel unfulfilled and disillusioned following their failed relationship. 

Another story which deals with the inability to form meaningful relationships is “My Girl in Skin-Tight Jeans” by William Boyd. In this story, the narrator leads an isolated existence and develops an attachment for a billboard ad, which eventually leads him to murder. The narrator in “Galveston” appears more passive, as well as more aware of his own estrangement.

Raymond Carter’s short story “A Serious Talk” is an example of dirty realism. Like “Galveston”, the short story focuses on the strained relationship of an estranged couple. Unlike the characters in “Galveston”, who simply stop communicating with each other, the characters in Carver’s story also become violent, highlighting the gravity of their conflict.