... man lights up a cigarette, which surprises the narrator. He thought the blind didn't smoke. Before dinner, the narrator says a prayer that the phone won't ring and the food won't turn cold. They dig in silently. After dinner the nearly comatose and sweaty-faced group leaves the dirty dishes and moves into the living room, where they drink more. The narrator listens ... , the extra tension placed on individuals by recession and high unemployment rates also contributed to a rising divorce rate among the lower middle class during the time Carver was writing. Critical Overview The short stor...

• Word Count: 11148
• Approx Pages: 45
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... relationship. Children should not have to worry about money or their parents, however this is not the case for Paul who has had the burden placed upon him by his cold and self obsessed mother. The whispering of the house there must be more money' represents this burden for Paul as well as his belief that money will bring happiness, security ... stands in the doorway watching Paul rocking violently on his rocking horse. Paul's mother is wearing a pale green and crystal dress' this is symbolic as it is a reflection of her cold and unloving heart. The author wanted the dress to be pale' be...

• Word Count: 2806
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... seclusion, taking no part in the business of life, and just as little in its intercourse or pleasures. Not with such fervor prays the torpid recluse, looking forward to the cold, sunless, stagnant calm of a day that it to be like innumerable yesterdays!" (33) Hawthorne introduces the old maid as lifeless, weary woman, whose days are as repetitive as the seconds ... ...

• Word Count: 2986
• Approx Pages: 12
• Grade Level: High School