Analytical C

Analytical C

Raymond Carver's short story "A Small Good Thing" is dramatic story about a child that has recently fallen into a coma. This story draws some very strong comparisons to the another story we read, "Chicxiclub". In both stories it is believed that a child has been seriously injured or killed. The parents are shown grieving and at times fighting because of the potential risk to their children. Even though the stories end dramatically different and have different themes there is a very strong correlation between the two at first glance.
Ann thought of saying "Don't have kids, for God's sake, don't." This is one of the saddest lines in the story. Ann is unbelievably upset and worried for her son, Scotty. She wanted to say this to the young girl but didn't. Even though kids and family bring sadness, they are also accompanied with unmeasurable joy and love. This sentiment is echoed in the previous short story that we read, "Feathers". The one couple did not want to have a child but they saw what great happiness that it brought to the other couple even though the baby was an ugly baby.
Carver once again uses the ordinary life to portray another meaning. He infuses the story with forgiveness, and compassion. Ann feels sorry for the family that recently lost their son, and she also is able to forgive the baker for calling their house. The baker didn’t realize what he was doing and when he finds out about Scotty he immediately consoled Ann and Howard.