I really don’t know what I was expecting from Raymond Carver’s “A Small Good Thing.” I have found in the past that short stories can vary greatly. Some are entertaining and have an incredible twist at the end, while some can just simply glide along beautifully and make you think. I don’t think I was expecting much of the former. Most short stories I have read in my collegiate studies are more illuminating, dramatic pieces that make you appreciate nuance. From Carver’s reputation, I placed him in that category.
I suppose the title made me think that someone would have to appreciate something…well, small. Something that is often overlooked or not necessarily thought of as important. By the time I read through the story, that thing is said to be the warm baked goods. But what is it really? What is Carver really saying? I thought the “small, good” thing would be something tangible, but I’m coming to realize that there is something bigger here. Is it companionship? Or the small steps that one takes in the process of healing? I’m interested to hear other people’s thoughts on what this might be.
I think he is talking about the initial step towards anything, but in this case, healing. After things have been torn apart you can only rebuild them slowly. The parents take refuge in the baked goods. It was the first tangible thing offered to them aside from the doctor's empty condolences.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Rob, as I also think he is talking about the initial step towards anything (I touched upon this in my post as well). I think you are spot on when you bring up the idea of there being something bigger behind baked goods. To relate the baked goods to Ann, Howard, and Scotty: Scotty was around everyday and Ann and Howard seemed to (at least based on the story about Scotty getting lost) neglect their responsibilities as parents (thus, they in many ways took for granted the beauty behind having and taking care of a child). Similarly, food is also something we encounter on an everyday basis. We sometimes take for granted the small, good things (like food) that we have everyday.
ReplyDeleteAlso interesting that Scotty was still young when he died (8) and the food had just been made fresh out of the oven. Maybe this is symbolic of birth, or in Ann and Howard's case, rebirth.