Analysis

Raymond Carver’s short story “Gazebo” has a linear structure. The plot explores the conflict between Holly and Duane after Duane cheated on Holly with a Mexican maid name Juanita. Flashbacks offer the reader further insight into Duane and Holly’s relationship. 

The main character is Duane, who is an alcoholic and who cheats on his wife, Holly with Juanita. Duane would like for him and Holly to get past this, but Holly is greatly affected by the affair. 

The physical setting is most likely a city in the United States. The action takes place in a suite from the motel where Holly and Duane work. There are also mentions of the other motel rooms where Duane has the affair with Juanita.

The story is told by a first-person narrator who is also the main character. The characters and events are seen through his subjective perspective. 

The language is informal. There are several instances where profanity is used. Dialogue is also important since it shows that Duane is unable to understand Holly’s feelings.

You can read a more detailed analysis in the following pages.