Things Aren’t Always What They Seem Essay Example

particular names to shift attention away from what he views as relatively insignificant elements (White1).

Carver's use of pronouns instead of specific names for Scotty's parents and characters like "the baker" (Carver 262), "the doctor"( 265), "the Scandinavian nurse"(265), and "the men in white uniforms" (267) was noticeable even from the opening paragraphs. It appears that Carver intentionally avoids using actual names to highlight the depersonalization prevalent in contemporary life while maintaining the narrative's flow towards its ultimate theme. By not revealing these names, the plot remains straightforward and detached, emphasizing more on the overall context rather than its intricacies.

The tool at hand effectively diverts attention from the less significant elements of the narrative. Aside from not using proper nouns, Carver also employs rudimentary sentence construction to achieve similar outcomes. The statement design commonly seen in this work is a straightforward "subject-verb-object" format. Phrases like: "He kept his eyes down on the photographs"(262), "The baker was not jolly", "He let her take her time", and "he wiped his hands" serve as instances of such simplicity in sentence development, apparent right from the narrative's inception.

The straightforward structures utilized prevent the narrative from becoming overly detailed, leading directly to the central point. This appears to be a trait employed by Carver to maintain narrative simplicity. In doing so, he successfully avoids burdening the story with superfluous data. Post-accident, Scotty is transported to the hospital. Within this setting, medical terminologies are hardly in use. Medical professionals repeatedly assure Scotty's parents that his condition does not constitute a coma but rather, he's merely in an extremely deep sleep (Carver 266).

Dr. Francis gives

a deceptive characterization of Scotty's health status, noting "He's all right...Nothing to shout about, he could be better, I think. But he's all right" (265-266). The casual usage of terminologies like "brain scan" to explain how they'll examine Scotty comes across as unprofessional (267). This absence of formal medical language, despite acknowledging the seriousness, diverts significant attention and worries away from a specific incident.

Contrary to assurances that all is well with the main character, he shockingly dies. The lack of medical terminology in the narrative doesn't lead readers to anticipate this tragic outcome; instead, it subtly diverts their attention away from this catastrophic event, suggesting that it's not the central theme of the story. Frustrated by incessant phone calls, Scotty's parents opt to pay a visit to the bakery. Readers might anticipate a pivotal moment unfolding at this location; however, it merely fits into the overall narrative structure. It develops into a serene scene painted with wide strokes rather than an intense occurrence. The uncomplicated and comforting interactions between the couple and seemingly solitary baker are also noteworthy. Furthermore, calmness prevails as the baker extends an apology while offering them supplies - hinting at tranquility within turmoil. This episode contributes significantly towards weaving together the entire storyline by using food symbolically for appeasement and forgiveness (Carver 278).

The shift in attitude from irritation towards the baker to grappling with Scotty's loss and the baker's issues is triggered by the offering of this food (Aull 1). This transformation is constructive, compelling the baker to let go of his arrogance and prompting Scotty's parents to pardon the baker and dissolve their rage. It appears

unlikely but reflects a Christian-like behavior. Carver depicts the three adults dealing with the circumstance sensibly and maturely (Atlas 15). These generalizations about the incidents linked to the boy gain significance as readers approach the story's conclusion.

It clearly comes to light that the broad statements aid in shaping the concept that the intention wasn't to narrate the young boy's misfortune, but to highlight how food can serve as a healing component. Thus, using such generalizations facilitated the development of this theme. The story encircles a small boy named Scotty who is tragically struck by a car and succumbs to an undeserved death. However, Scotty is not the focal point but is rather used “as a stepping stone for something else.” In reality, the narrative predominantly features the baker and food's comforting strength, which becomes increasingly evident as the story unfolds.