Seminar 4

Carver'sWhat We Talk About When We Talk About Love

Directions: Read What We Talk About When We Talk About Love . Choose one question and write a 3 - 5 paragraph response. Include specific references to the text, and at least one quote.

1. What do we talk about when we talk about love? What do you think Carver is suggesting in this story about how human beings understand the concept of love? How do you think Carver would define love? Why do you think that?

2. How does Raymond Carver use setting in the story? Analyze the setting, and discuss what it suggests about the characters. How do the specifics of the setting reveal Carver's attitudes about the concept of love?

3. How does each of the characters define love? How does each character act in his or her relationship? Are the characters' actions consistent with the way they define love? Does Carver seem to privilege one kind of love over another? Is he trying to tell us that there is one ‘right’ way to love another person? If so, what is the ‘right’ way? If he does not seem to favor one kind of love over another, why not? What is he suggesting about the nature of love?