Character Analysis Of Raymond Carver's 'Gazebo'

Gazebo - Raymond Carver

Everyone has, at some point in their lives, had a strained relationship with someone, whether it has been with a friend, a lover or merely an acquaintance. Contrary to other relationships, a dysfunctional love affair is of great significance, as it can give rise to strong feelings of unhappiness and depression if one is betrayed. This is attributable to the robust and substantial bond between the two partners concerned. In Raymond Carver’s short story, “Gazebo”, a dysfunctional romance and also its consequences are depicted. The short story portrays the two spouses, Duane and Holly, who are experiencing an appreciable weakening of their relationship owing to Duane’s extramarital affair.

The relationship between Duane

The technique ‘show, don’t tell’ is displayed in the following text piece: “That morning she pours Teacher’s over my belly and licks it off. That afternoon she tries to jump out the window.” (ll. 1-2, p. 139). Instead of stating that Holly is instable and accompanied by mood swings, her actions are described, which is characteristic of the technique. Another example of the method is displayed in the following passage: “She sits on the sofa and draws her knees up under her chin.” (ll. 27-28, p. 142). In this example, Holly’s position is exclusively described, however, it can be concluded that she feels small and uncomfortable. The use of ‘show, don’t tell’ makes the text more difficult to read, as it requires the reader’s own interpretations to gain an understanding of the described events and experiences. Additionally, everyday language is used in dialogue, which is illustrated in the following passage: “”Holly,” I go. “It’s true, Duane,” she goes. “Just don’t argue with me,” she goes.” (ll. 4-6, p. 142). This makes the text appear realistic and objective, as actual conversations are shown and described. Moreover, low-key-prose is utilized because the language does not consist of complicated words and is not overflowed with the use of imagery. This is

An example of a symbol in the text is the pool that becomes filled with green weeds when Duane stops cleaning it: “I stopped cleaning the pool. It filled up with green gick so that the guests wouldn’t use it anymore.” (ll. 3-4, p. 144). This happens contemporary with Duane’s extramarital affair and thus, it happens contemporary with the incipient fading of Duane and Holly’s relationship. Therefore, the pool is a symbol of the decay or failure of the relationship between Duane and Holly. Equally important, the drink that Duane and Holly drink, i.e. Teacher’s, also has a symbolic meaning. It functions as a distraction and a way to drink away and forget their sorrows. Furthermore, alcohol is closely associated with being unstable. Therefore, Teacher’s symbolises instability. Additionally, the ringing phone downstairs is a symbolic expression of Duane and Holly’s responsibilities that they choose to leave out of account and disregard. This is attributable to the fact that the phone rings because people keep contacting the motel, and it is their accountability to answer it. Correspondingly, the upstairs suite in which Duane and Holly choose to hide functions as a safe distance from their responsibilities. And lastly, the gazebo symbolises Holly’s desired life or happiness, as she outlines it beautifully and not least wistfully: “And there was this gazebo there out back? It was out back under some trees? […] And the woman said