Differences in responces to Ra

A detailed Summary of Differences in responces to Ra

Differences in Responses to

Raymond Carver's "Popular Mechanics"

Raymond Carver's "Popular Mechanics" reveals the common effect of competition in today's relationships. Competition is the act of competing. It is also known as rivalry, a contest, or a match. This is what I think Carver is trying to show us in his story. Some people are so self-caring that they can never admit when they are wrong or that they have a problem. This leads to rounds of fighting which result in a never-ending circle of problems. This is true for everyone, no matter how old you are, what gender you are, or the color of your skin. No one likes to admit when they are wrong, and some people will never admit it at all. This is what Carver is trying to show us here. How can two people love each other, and then say and do the most horrible things to each other?

Carver's story is written about a couple that appear to be married. My theory of competition ruining relationships is not only for the married couple, but it is for all relationships in general. It can be a relationship with a friend, a parent, a coach, or anyone. Let's say the couple in the story is married. This is not goin

Interpretations of "Popular Mechanics" seem to be very different for each person. I asked two people that have lived with each other for twenty-five years, and they came up with completely different interpretations to the story. However, my theory that competition ruins relationships is still strong, and goes along with the reactions from my parents of this story. Carver is showing us that when people are too strong willed and self centered, that they will do anything to get what they want. They will do this no matter who is in the way, or who they hurt along the way. My father pointed out that it is pitiful that relationships have come to be like this these days, and that there are poor kids being used as objects instead of human beings. My mother stated that we should look at the basis of the problem and see why it has ended up like this. I think this is true for life in general. Many are quick to judge other people by one event, instead of seeing the whole picture. I admit, I was guilty of this the first time I read "Popular Mechanics." I made assumptions without even knowing the past of the relationship. What if the man had been beating the wife? She could be making him leave for the safety of her and the baby. This could be why she is heart set on keeping the baby with her. She just wants is to be safe. Like I said, the possibilities are endless. Reading this story has taught me a lesson in life that I need to always understand the whole situation before I am quick to judge other people. We never know who, or what, is the real cause of a problem until we sit down and analyze a situation.

Not surprisingly, my mother's response to "Popular Mechanics" was more in depth than my fathers. She brought up the point of why is the man leaving to begin with? You see, my mother is a teacher (with three masters), so she likes to bring out the odd question in everything. She brings up a good point though. If we knew, or tried to understand why the man is leaving, we could interpret the story more easily. When she finished reading the story, the first thing she asked me to do is read the line "Son of a bitch! I'm so glad you're leaving! She began to cry. You can't even look me in the face, can you?" She told me that the whole story could be summed up in that line right there. I asked her how and she explained it to me this way: Th

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Approximate Word count = 1603
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English