Raymond Carver's short stories don't have a fixed word count. Some are shorter, maybe around 3000 words, while others could be longer, going up to 10,000 words or so. It really depends on the story's content and his creative choices at the time of writing.
Raymond Carver's stories tend to be relatively short, often just a few pages long.
Main characters in Raymond Carver short stories are usually individuals struggling with life. They could be middle - aged men who have lost their way in life, perhaps due to a job loss or a failed marriage. There are also characters who are at a crossroads, not sure whether to stay in a relationship or move on. Women characters are often portrayed as being in difficult situations, like having to take care of a family while feeling unappreciated.
The length of Raymond Carver's short stories can vary. Some might be just a few pages, while others could be a dozen or so pages long.
One of the main characteristics of Raymond Carver's best short stories is their minimalist style. He doesn't waste words, every sentence counts. His stories often have an understated sense of drama. For example, in many of his stories, the characters are on the verge of some kind of emotional or life - changing moment, but it's not overly dramatized. Another aspect is his exploration of the human condition, especially the darker and more complex aspects such as loneliness, disappointment, and the fragility of relationships.
Some common themes are loneliness, failed relationships, and the struggles of working - class life. For example, in many of his stories, characters are often isolated and have difficulty connecting with others on an emotional level.
You can often find Raymond Carver's free short stories on some public library websites. Many libraries have digital collections that include his works. Just search for his name in the library's e - book or short story section.
One common theme is the struggle of the working - class. His characters often face economic hardships and the mundanity of daily life. For example, in many stories, they are dealing with jobs that don't pay well and trying to make ends meet. Another theme is relationship problems, like the breakdown of marriages or the difficulty in communicating with family members. His stories also touch on a sense of alienation, where characters feel isolated from others and from society as a whole.
Some of his best short stories include 'Cathedral'. In this story, the narrator's perspective shifts as he interacts with a blind man. Another great one is 'A Small, Good Thing' which explores themes of grief and human connection in a very poignant way. And 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love' is also highly regarded as it delves deep into different understandings of love among a group of friends sharing drinks.
There are often working - class characters. For instance, in some stories, you'll find factory workers or waitresses. These characters are trying to get by in their daily lives. There are also husbands and wives. Their relationships are often at the center of the stories, with their interactions and conflicts being important aspects.
One common theme is the struggle of ordinary people. His characters often face economic hardships, like in 'Cathedral' where the narrator seems to be living a rather mundane and perhaps financially strained life. Another theme is relationship problems. Couples in his stories frequently have communication breakdowns and misunderstandings, as seen in many of his works.