The Dissolution of Relationships
In a seemingly counter-romantic style, much of Carver's work details the breakdown of relationships. For example, "Gazebo" deals with infidelity and "The Fling" explores an instance of parental divorce. These relationships are of varying ages and are largely working class. Above all, Carver suggests that all relationships are capable of dissolution, which is, in fact, a more plausible reality than undying love.
The Ubiquitousness of Alcoholism
As a recovering alcoholic himself, Carver wrote many of his stories to involve elements of addiction. Both Holly and Duane in "Gazebo" drink heavily, as does L.D. in "One More Thing," and the protagonist of "Why Don't You Dance?" Instead of portraying it as an unknown and abstruse character trait, Carver writes about alcoholism bluntly and truthfully. He includes examples of male and female addiction, and does not attempt to glorify the condition. Rather, he suggests that it causes considerable personal and interpersonal harm and many of his characters seemingly act like warning stories for the reader.
The Prevalence of Infidelity
Along similar lines of alcoholism, Carver also writes about infidelity and adultery, notably in the stories "The Fling," "If You Please," "Gazebo" and "So Much Water So Close to Home." In these instances, men are often shown to stray from their female partners, at the risk of considerable emotional strife (the exception is "So Much Water So Close to Home" which involves an adulteress) . These instances of infidelity result in arguments, and in the case of "The Fling," a divorce. Again, Carver does not glamorize adultery, instead depicting it as selfish and morally corrupt behavior.
The Importance of Letting Go
While Carver dedicates particular authorial energy into depicting abuse, infidelity and chaotic relationships, he also gestures towards the importance of letting go. Every character is seemingly saddled with some sense of trauma, but the most successful ones are the ones capable of moving forward from their past. For example, the protagonist of "Why Don't You Dance?" accepts his situation and moves forward by selling his furniture from the lawn." In "Beginners" Terri is able to move on from an abusive relationship and eventually ends up with Mel, who loves her deeply. Characters that are unable to overcome personal and interpersonal turmoil, such as Dummy in "Dummy" suffer greatly and often exhibit abusive behavior themselves. As Carver suggests, trauma is ubiquitous but it is up to the individual to overcome their circumstances and move forwards.
The Fragility of Children
In Carver's depictions of interpersonal abuse, it is not only man and woman effected, but child as well. He displays a deep affection for the children caught in the middle of domestic turmoil, displayed in stories such as "Mine" and "Distance." These defenseless children are at the mercy of their parent's actions, which are so often indefensible. The most wrenching portrayal of this theme is in "Mine" when two parents physically fight over a baby. Both holding the child, they pull the child between them to claim ownership without regard for the health of the child itself. In "The Fling" a child is deeply hurt but his father's infidelity, and the breakdown of his parent's marriage. In this way, Carver deftly portrays the ways in which adult's decisions directly effect their children, often negatively.
