This obsession is noticeable by the continuous marking down of Doreen’s weight when Doreen is standing on the weighing scales.ĭespite it being clear to the reader and to Doreen’s work colleagues that she is losing too much weight, too quickly, Earl continues to insist that Doreen follow his unqualified weight loss programme. It is through this change that the reader also senses that Earl may be somewhat obsessional. Rather than accept Doreen for who she is, Earl is attempting to change her. The reader already aware that the trigger for Earl’s suggestion to Doreen, is the comments that the men made in the coffee shop. This is noticeable by the fact that he tells Doreen that she needs to lose weight. It is quite possible that Earl considers a negative opinion or appraisal of Doreen equals a negative view of him.Įarl also appears to be addressing his insecurity (about Doreen’s weight and how he thinks it reflects on him) by controlling Doreen. In many ways Doreen’s physical appearance is an extension of Earl himself, at least in Earl’s eyes. He is allowing the men’s opinion of Doreen reflect on him. It is possible that Earl’s fear of what other’s think of Doreen is really an internal insecurity within Earl himself. Though Earl doesn’t confront the men, to defend Doreen, it is later when he is at home that the reader notices that the men’s comments have had an effect on Earl. There is a sense that Earl is somewhat embarrassed (for himself) by the reaction of the two men when they are discussing Doreen’s appearance as she is getting them ice cream. Taken from his Will You Please Be Quiet, Please collection the story is narrated in the third person by an unnamed narrator and from the beginning of the story Carver appears to be exploring the theme of appearance, insecurity and embarrassment. In They’re Not Your Husband by Raymond Carver we have the theme of embarrassment, appearance, acceptance, control, obsession, selfishness and insecurity.
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