Neighbors
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In "Neighbors" Raymond Carver, uses character and setting to increase suspicion and curiosity. The story itself causes readers to look at their own neighbors and wonder if they can actually trust them. Carver allows the characters to show a special level of power indirectly; in the respects of they have the key to their fantasy that will only grow throughout the story. Both Bill and Arlene change slightly through the story, or particular parts are just emphasized more than normal.
Bill and Arlene feel as if "they alone among their circle had been passed by somehow" from time to time (page 59 line 2). They compare their lives with that of their neighbor's lives, because they are unsatisfied with their jobs and current status in life. They admire their neighbors Harriet and Jim Stone who where "always going out for dinner, or entertaining at home, or traveling about the country somewhere in connection with Jim's work" (page 59 lines 5-7). They feel that their life is much better than their own, which also places emphasis on their materialistic desires of fame and fortune. Placing such concentration in such a thing shows an aspect of their self-esteem.
Bill tarnishes the element of respect and trust when he walks into the apartment for the first time as he "took a deep breath" (page 59 line 29)...