Raymond's Use Of Alcohol example essay topic

Alcohol Viewed Through the Eyes of Raymond Carver Some people feel that alcohol is a substance that can be used to escape reality and live in a world where there are no dilemmas or problems that must be solved. Whether the alcohol is abused or just used in moderation, many people are drawn to the several aspects it has to offer. One example of someone who follows these characteristics is the very famous and talented writer, Raymond Carver. Raymond's use of alcohol is clearly displayed not only through his writings, but in his daily lifestyle.

It is a general understanding that in many writers' works, a small portion of how they live their lives are influenced and portrayed through their stories. Having stated this, two very distinct stories of Raymond Carver eloquently display how alcohol has had an impact on his life. The first story that allows the reader to have an inside look at the effects of alcohol on Carver is "What We Talked About When We Talked About Love". In the beginning of the story, it seems as if all the characters are thoroughly enjoying themselves. Their casual drinking assists them in their conversations, as they appear to be completely sober and in control of their actions. As their discussion grows deeper and more complex, their consumption of alcohol increases at an even faster rate.

Carver intends to show his readers the difference in the way the characters act when they are sober, compared to the way they act when they are intoxicated. It seems as if they become more comfortable in the dialect of their conversation when they consume more alcohol. This is probably extremely similar to they way Carver lives his own life, more creative and diverse only when he has been drinking alcohol. As the story continues and the characters become more intoxicated, a strong similarity between Carver's life and the end of the characters conversations are ultimately revealed. When the alcohol is gone and there is nothing left to drink, a sense of emptiness and incompleteness occurs among both the characters and the writer. From Carver's perspective, when he has finished drinking he becomes thoughtless and unable to continue the story by concluding with an ending.

Likewise, the characters become quiet and unable to continue movement and conversation once they noticed that there is no more alcohol to drink. Through this story, Carver has allowed his readers to imagine the state of mind he is in during the time he is drunk, all the way until he has nothing left to drink and is left feeling lost and incomplete with his life and stories. The next story that exemplifies Raymond Carver's lifestyle is "A Small, Good Thing". This story is not quite as descriptive as the other when it comes to the use of alcohol.

Instead, the characters of this story rely on alcohol for comfort and support in dealing with the emotional trauma of their injured son. The parents of the injured child feel as if alcohol will temporarily solve their problems of sadness and anguish. Like Carver, the use of alcohol allows him to forget his problems and focus his attention on other aspects that bring exhilaration and contentment into his life. In the story, the readers are told that the main characters desire just one glass or even one sip of liquor and their nerves would be calmed by making all their pain non-existent. It is clear to many of the readers that this theory is incorrect and that their pain is only gone temporarily. It seems as if Carver is finding it difficult to deal with his personal problems and is relying on his alcohol to help him through his challenges.

Maybe with the help of his stories and characters, Carver will accept that living in reality is the only way he can surpass the problems that he is facing. In conclusion, Raymond Carver clearly exemplifies his drinking habits through the characters of his stories. Whether the characters are intoxicated or sober, their constant thoughts of alcohol illustrate an image of Carver that only few people detect. It's almost as if Carver is reaching out for help from his readers by admitting that maybe he has an alcohol problem. Regardless of Carver's personal problems, the amazing talent that he displays in his writings cause many of his readers to bypass these problems and instead, admire him for his courage and ability to write well.