"In this manner, the issue was decided."
There is no doubt the story "Popular Mechanics" is morbid. Ripping babies apart is no laughing matter. However, this bleak mood is created from very little detail at all. Raymond Carver's writing style is very minimal and fast paced. The story takes place right in the middle of the action with no indication of who the characters are or what the specifics of the situation are. The only thing he really tell the reader is that this couple is splitting up and they are fighting over their baby. In fact, the most detailed part of the whole story is the description of the weather in the first paragraph. In it, Carver describes melting snow becoming dirty water and cars driving through slush. It also talks about it becoming dark outside. Then he connects the horrid weather outside to the equally declining situation inside the house. The first time I read it I thought it was just referring to inside the house, but then I wondered if it maybe meant inside the characters. As the story progresses they become darker and more selfish. This kind of darkness is exactly what caused this family to become torn apart. Literally. The only thing I don't understand is the title. Why is it called Popular Mechanics? Maybe if the author had given more detail it would be more apparent, but the lack of it is exactly what creates such a chaotic and dramatic look into a difficult situation.
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