Themes and message

Voyeurism

The main theme of Raymond Carver’s short story “The Idea” is voyeurism. The story revolves around the narrator’s neighbor who is a voyeur and watches his partner undress from outside their bedroom window.

This sexual practice comes as a surprise for the narrator, who was until then not familiar with it. She is fascinated by it, but she is also denying her interest. Ironically, she becomes a voyeur herself, as she observes her neighbor’s behavior for over three months and goes to great lengths not to be discovered and to be able to keep watching. However, the narrator is critical of the neighboring woman for taking part in this kind of activity.  Therefore, the text discusses hypocrisy and unexplored sexual desires.

Lack of intimacy

The text also addresses the relationship between spouses. The narrator and Vern seem to have a relationship that is lacking in terms of physical contact and intimacy. The two are unable to discuss their desires with each other. They both f...