Getting Blood from the Stones
Humans are known to some people as creatures of habit. They fall into rituals that can make their lives feel dull and uninteresting. In the short story "Neighbors" by Raymond Carver, envy is the theme. In the case of Bill and Arlene Miller, their envy is made clear right from the start. "'Well, I wish it was us' said Bill."(Carver, 6). They are best friends with people they would much rather be. At the beginning of the story, the Miller's, although satisfied with their lives, "now and then felt they alone among their circle had been passed by"; passed by to the point where they crave the adventure that their neighbors, Jim and Harriet Stone, experience (Carver, 6). When it comes time for the Stones to go on a trip, the Miller's find themselves able to assume some aspects of their neighbors' identity by tending to their apartment. Just by being alone in their friends' environment, serves their fantasy well. However, they do not stop there. There is a gradual workup to the extreme fantasy fulfillment. It is very similar to a child who, while the parents are not around, decides to play dress up. In some children's eyes, their parents are ideals which they emulate. Whether it is dressing up, putting on makeup or mimicking the
"He reached back for the Chivas Regal. She has now had a taste of the fantasy, and she now understands why Bill had been there for hours. Upon exiting, she was mesmerized by the illusion Bill had been attentive to for the past few days, and Bill is in complete understanding of her emotions. Envy can be a motivation for self-improvement or as in this case, a destructive and inhibiting effect on ones life. A bond has been created and for the next few minutes, everything to Bill and Arlene is calm in the world. Regret that they aren't able enact the fantasy together. While the roaming continues, the life that is left aside is forced upon him. Trying on the clothing, he visualizes himself as the Stones. Maybe even regret of what they've done to their neighbors. Before the high subsides, again the fantasy changes character and, at this point, Arlene is intrigued and wants to join in on the adventure. Not only Jim in his Hawaiian Shirt and Bermudas, but as Harriet in her burgundy blouse and black and white checkered skirt. With each successive visit, the perception of time seems to fade. Reality once again comes crashing in. A peek at the life of the sought after identity. It is similar to a lottery ticket holder who dreams of a life that would make Bill Gates envious, only to have their dreams shattered by a posting of mismatched numbers.
Common topics in this essay:
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Acceptance Essays
