Ray Carvers collection Where Im Calling From :: Ray Carver Essays

Ray Carver's collection "Where I'm Calling From" After reading more than a dozen of Ray Carver’s short stories from his collection Where I'm Calling From, I have to ask the question, "Where was Carver calling from?" On the surface, his stories seem very simple. They are about people with average jobs such as hotel managers, waitresses, salesmen, and secretaries, who live unsophisticated, mediocre lives. Below the surface, however, there is always more to be discovered if the reader is willing to put forth a little bit of effort. Carver obviously put a lot of thought into his stories. The least that we, as readers, can do is scratch the surface a little, or better yet, dig deep into his words to see what he is really trying to say to us. This is a task that is easier said than done. One story that does not seem quite as difficult as some others to interpret is "They’re Not Your Husband." Carver actually tells us quite a bit about Earl and Doreen if, once again, we are willing to look for the hidden clues. Earl is a salesman who is currently unemployed. He is looking for work, and he does find a sales job, but not a paying one. When he overhears two of his wife’s customers commenting on her "fat ass" (Magee), and saying, "Some jokers like their quim fat" (Carver 45), Earl realizes who his next sales pitch will be aimed at. Not wanting to be considered a joker, he decides to "sell" Doreen on the idea of losing weight (Magee). Using his sales tactics, Earl cautiously presents his "product" to Doreen. At first she is surprised because he has never brought up her weight before, but Earl is able to convince her that she should go on a diet without upsetting her. "‘All right,’ she said. I’ll try. For a few days I’ll give it a try. You’ve convinced me"’ (Carver 47). After hearing this, Earl replies, "I’m a closer" (Carver 47). Earl feels that he has successfully closed the deal but if we keep digging, we see something more. John Magee, in his article on "They’re Not Your Husband" for The Explicator, says, "Drop the c from 'closer’and 'loser’ emerges, which is what Earl is" (2). Earl is a loser because he thinks that the way his wife looks says something about him. He hopes that if he can successfully help Doreen begin to look better, he may start to feel better about himself.