Summary, Analysis and Response: Popular Mechanics by Raymond Carver

        Popular Mechanics by Raymond Carver is a short story about that a couple in a bad situation scramble for their baby. The man is packing his luggage in the bedroom, and the woman comes in crying loudly and takes the baby’s photograph away. After she leaving, the man finishes his packing and goes out to the living room. He tries to wrest the baby from the woman and then they fight each other for him. Finally, the issue comes.

        The story is told from point of view of third person. The author just stays aside and observes what is going to happen between the couple. The plot progresses chronologically over the course of one day. There are two main characters: the man and the woman, whose marriage is getting dark. The writer sees indifferently, liking a camera.

        I find the narrative interesting and sympathize with the baby. Actually, there is a similar case around me. My friend Zhao Shiyan gets a baby, but he and his wife always play computer games in internet café or at home. There is no one takes care of the baby, and the baby goes to die in the end because of hungry. I think every couple should be responsible for each of their babies or children. They should take good care of them but not treat them just like their belongings.