Neighbors
Neighbors
In the narrative, Neighbours, the story is constant with capitalization of Bill and Arlene tasked with the duty of safeguarding Stone’s apartment. Bill and Arlene’s character is developed through the narrator’s description of the actions, language and relation with other characters. Bill is portrayed as a person discontented with his lifestyle and occupation. He is viewed as self-pitying as he identifies his occupation as a “duty”. Bill fills that he lives a boring life compared to his neighbours. Like Bill, Arlene states a desire when the Stones depart for a trip. She is portrayed as discontented individual as if vacations were a rare occurrence. Moreover, she appears to lack the enthusiasm and liberty in her life.
Bill and Arlene are considered as voyeurs as a result of Bill’s sensual drive that increases during the intensive search of their neighbour’s apartment. Arlene goes through the house and reverts to Bill. He starts kissing her on the on the neck and hair, turned and also kissed him back (Carver 14). Both Arlene and Bill had experienced the apartment on one occasion and therefore, using the house to find their happiness and utilize to function together as stronger partners. There are various aspects identified in narrative that symbolize various aspects. The kitty in the narrative represents the responsibility given to Arlene as she is required to regularly feed the cat. The doorknob signifies the Millers’ invasion of stones’ privacy.
The Millers view their occupations as rather repulsive and do not retain similar liberties as the Stones. Nonetheless, they are eager or bear the capability of improving their lives. As an alternative, they attempt to evade their unhappy nature by walloping in Stones’ house and getting some pleasure through taking liberties with their properties. He gets liquor from the drinks’ cabinet and dresses in Jim’s and Harriet’s clothing. He trusts that by exchanging his garments, he will live the life of their neighbours. There are numerous occurrences when Bill views himself in the mirror whilst dawning Jim’s clothes and Harriet’s underwear. This is because he may be visualising himself as living Jim and Harriet’s life.
In regards to the Miller’s relationship, Bill and Arlene learn that keys were left in the house. Suddenly, they view themselves as being locked out of their novel lives and seem troubled. In addition, one may be inclined to think that it is a short-lived interruption of their gratification. Nonetheless, they hug, seemingly paralysed by powerful but not explicit sentiments. Therefore, the minimalist style used in the text illustrates that the couple failed to achieve their objective of trying to lead their neighbor’s lives. Therefore, true contentment is not discovered in imaginations but certainty.
Works Cited
Carver, Raymond. Will you please be quiet, please?. Vintage, 2015. 7-15