Corruption In Popular Mechanics By Raymond Carver

356 Words2 Pages
In “Popular Mechanics,” Carver captures the breakup of a couple and specifically, the disagreement over parental rights. Throughout the story, the author employs foreshadowing, vulgar word choice, and symbolism, to depict the tension between the husband and the wife as they end the relationship. Using the image of the melting snow at the beginning of the story, Carver foreshadows the darkness tainting the relationship of the couple: “Early that day the weather turned and the snow was melting into dirty water” (Carver). Snow supposedly possesses a white color, which represents purity and cleanliness. However, in the story, that snow is melting and turning into dirty water, which carries contaminants and impurities. Through this image, Carver