Analysis of Raymond Carver's Little Things - Book Report/Review Example

The changes made in these two parts are of immense importance as these parts make the story stronger. The changes made not only provide a clearer view of the physical setup but also give a marvelous emotional understanding. The story in both versions appeals to and magnetizes the reader to involve completely with the characters and make judgments about their every move. The difference, however, is in the portrayal and word arrangements of the two versions. To provide a clearer picture, these two paragraphs may be taken as examples.

During the day the sun had come out and the snow melted into dirty water. Streaks of water ran down from the little, shoulder-high window that faced the backyard. Cars slushed by on the street outside. It was getting dark, outside and inside. And now "Little Things:" Early that day the weather turned and the snow was melting into dirty water. Streaks of it ran down from the little shoulder-high window that faced the backyard. Cars slushed by on the street outside, where it was getting dark. But it was getting dark on the inside too.

I believe that the revised version of the story i.e. "Little Things" is more imaginative and striking. If the reader just focuses on the first sentence of "Mine" he doesn't realize how better this sentence can be by making a few but significant changes. The first sentence of "Mine" focuses on "sun" and hence one may get the idea of climate, whereas, "little things" replaces the word 'sun' with 'weather'. This change broadens the area of thought for the reader. The use of "the weather turned" may take the attention of the reader towards expressions like 'under the weather or 'heavy weather' which are commonly used and describe the state of being sick or emotionally disturbed.

Similarly, the replacement of 'turned' may also provide a new way of thinking about the relationship twists. Another important change is the use of continuous action (i.e. the snow was melting into dirty water) this change creates an image of a continuing process rather than a completed state. It enables the reader to portray the scene and develops the interest to read on. Further, the revised version of the last two sentences of the first paragraph is more appropriate. The line 'but it was getting dark on the inside too' gives a more sophisticated reading and more attractive rhythm, creating more space for the reader to make assumptions.

Now if we analyze the ending paragraphs of these versions it can be easily evaluated that the advanced version consists of smaller sentences and paragraphs. These small sentences make it easier for the reader to visualize and concentrate on every emotion or movement made by the characters. The use of written emotions like screamed or shouted, leave a more tragic impression on the reader. The addition of these written emotions throughout the story develops feelings of sympathy, love, respect, and sometimes disgrace disrespect, and hatred for the characters.

There is a logical mistake in the sentence "Mine" i.e. "whose chubby face gazed up at them from the picture on the table". This sentence breaks the tempo of the basic dispute. This mistake was reviewed and rectified in "Little Things" by the complete removal of the existence of any picture.