Popular Mechanics, Raymond Carver: Summary, Analysis & Themes

‘Popular Mechanics’ is one of Raymond Carver’s shortest stories. It is also known by the alternative title ‘Little Things’. The story explores themes of domestic unhappiness and the breakdown of familial relationships. Summary The story begins with the third-person narrator describing the melting snow turning into dirty water and the approaching darkness, foreshadowing the conflict to come. A husband is packing his bags, preparing to leave his wife after deciding their relationship is over. The wife stands at the bedroom door, telling him she’s glad he’s leaving, but he does not respond. She bursts into tears and picks up a picture of their baby from the bed before retreating to the living room with it. The husband demands the photo back, but the wife tells him to finish packing and leave. After packing, the husband goes to the living room, where the wife stands holding their baby in the kitchen doorway. The husband demands custody of the baby, but the wife refuses, calling him crazy. The ba…