Ann Weiss

Outer characterization

Ann Weiss is one of the main characters of the short story “The Bath” by Raymond Carver. She is married and has a son, Scotty, who turns eight years old the day he has an accident and is hit by a car. The story does not mention her outer appearance or her occupation. However, as she is at home on Monday morning, we can assume that she is probably a stay-at-home mother. 

Inner characterization

Ann Weiss comes across as a caring mother. When she goes to the bakery, she chooses the cake thinking about her son and his preferences: “she ordered chocolate, the child’s favorite” (p. 251, ll. 3-4). She plans to organize a party for Scotty, which shows that she loves him and cares for him. Moreover, the gesture of holding “his hands in her lap” (p. 252, l. 5) when Scotty t...