literary Analysis

Literary Analysis: “A Small, Good Thing” by Raymond Carver
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“A Small, Good Thing” by Raymond Carver
This story basically concerns failures of communication and the death of an eight-year-old child. Scotty is knocked by an automobile on his birthday. Scotty’s mother had made an order of a cake but there were not any pleasantries between the baker and her. Scotty is admitted to hospital as he is unconscious and the ordered cake is totally forgotten. The doctor reassures Scotty’s parents that all would be well the moment Scotty awakes. Thesis: in this story, the central theme is about the role of communication, empathy, and a person’s connection to other people in dealing with loss and suffering.
Theme of empathy: A black father in the waiting room is described and this man engages in dialogue with Ann. The circumstances of this man’s son, Franklin, are explained: he was an onlooker in a knife fight and he was badly cut, and the black family is waiting to hear from the nurses about Franklin’s condition (Carver 4). Ann feels very close to this African-American family. It is clear that the black family and Ann are in similar situation; the black father and Ann empathize with each other.
Theme of Communication: the author explores the theme of communication – or lack of communication. The baker hangs up on Ann and Howard severally. Dr. Francis is not able to give Scotty’s parents an update on their son, or inform them the time when he may awake. The only thing he appears to be certain of is that Scotty is not in a comma – he later changes his mind. In addition, when the parents of Franklin first see Ann, they think that Ann is a nurse hopping that she may inform them regarding Franklin’s condition. Instead, she tells them about her son Scotty (Carver 7). Moreover, when she calls people to inform them regarding her son’s death, Ann breaks down sobbing and she is not able to tell people about the tragedy. There is also silence inside the elevator when Scotty’s parents are going to the X-ray department.
Theme of connection to other people in dealing with loss and sufferi...