Language
The language of the short story “Chef’s House” by Raymond Carver is, in general, straightforward and simple, making it easy to follow and understand.
Various literary techniques are used to give deeper meaning to the story. Although the words used in the story appear simple and the sentences are short, the figurative language used by the author leaves room for the reader’s interpretat…
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Imagery
Imagery is usually constructed in connection with the setting: “you can see the ocean from the front window. You can smell salt in the…
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Idioms
At the beginning of the story, the author introduces us to a key aspect of Wes’s life by using an idiom. Wes tells Edna he is “on the wagon.” (l. 4), an expression commonly used for abstaining from alcohol.
Edna introduces their children into the story by using another idiom to show their phys…
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Metaphors
The story also features metaphorical language. For example, metaphors are used by Edna when trying to convince Wes to calm down: “Wes, don’t get stirred up.” (l. 84). She continues to tell him she hadn’t “thrown away a good thing” (l. 134) to be with him, which indicates sh…
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Repetition
Repetition is used in the story to add emphasis to a certain idea. For example, once Chef asks Wes to move out, Edna realizes the house and everything in it belong to Chef and not to them: “Chef’s chair, it occured to me. Chef’s carpet, even.” (ll. 77-78); “”I sat down on Chef’s sofa.” (ll. 80-81). The repetition of Chef’s name t…
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Symbols
The author uses several symbolic elements which are connected with the story’s themes and characters.
The first symbolic element we encounter appears at the beginning of the story but also at the end. In the first paragraph, the ocean is used as a symbol by Wes, who tries to tempt Edna into joining him by telling her “you can see the ocean from the front window.” (l.6). This suggests more than a relaxed life at the beach but also an ocean of possibilities for them, as he expresses his wish to “start over” the third time he calls Edna. In the last paragraph of the story, Wes “got up and pulled the drapes and the ocean was gone just like that.” (ll. 161-162). This marks the moment when Wes resigns himself to what he perceives as obvious: he cannot change who he…
