Posted by Shane Cook on June 07, 1999 at 15:32:53:
Shane Cook
Writing Prompt # 10
In the long version of “So Much Water So Close to Home” the more complex the
story, the easier it may be to understand. Here Carver has extended the time frame from two days to five, added in additional scenes and dialogue, introduced new characters, and provided characters with past and present contexts. Also, in the longer version, more happens to more people, over a longer period of time. The funny thing about this version is that these additions, allow us to see and understand them more fully. By providing the reader with more information, Carver provides us with more opportunities to expand the story in our own minds, and to analyze it more closely. Carver also changes the end of his story. Claire now rejects Stuart’s advances, and locks herself away from him in the extra bedroom. This change in Claire’s character reflects the fact that we seem here, to be dealing with a completely different Claire.