Analyse af Raymond Carvers novelle 'Neighbors'

I have chosen to work with the short story ``Neighbors´´ written by Raymond Carver

Summary

The Stones, who happen to be the neighbours to the Millers, go on holiday, and The Millers (Bill and Arlene) must look out for their house, for instance they promised their neighbours to feed their cat every day. While Bill and Arlene are looking out for the house, they become increasingly curious in the Stones´ belongings. They begin to steal their things, for instance they try on their clothes, and lie down in their bed. The Millers want to feel what it´s like to live like the Stones, and the situation finally gets out of hand.

The characterization of Bill and Arlene Miller

Bill Miller:

Bill Miller is a very bored and exploring man. He is exploring because, he explores the Stones´ house, and their belongings. Bill feels that his own life isn’t interesting enough, and he´s missing some freedom in his life. Bill really admires how his neighbours, the Stones, are living their life, and he would like to live like them. When the Stones are away on holiday and the Millers must take care of their house while away, Bill becomes increasingly interested in his neighbour’s possessions, and he imagines himself living like the Stones`, by eating their food, drinking their drinks, and trying on their clothes. He even takes time off from work to spend time in their apartment, almost as if it has a magical quality that makes time fly by. Bill’s sex drive also increases as he spends more time at the neighbour’s apartment.