Emphasizing important techniques and themes, with due consideration of germane theoretical perspectives and relevant biographical materials, this study offers the most comprehensive, sophisticated examination of Raymond Carver's fiction and poetry to date. Key arguments include a de-emphasis of indeterminacy in Carver's fiction; a detailed unfolding of his brilliant technique, especially his use of unreliable narration, symbolism, and omission; a rejection of the notion of Carver as catatonic realist, a reductive view ignoring the poignancy of his fiction; and a consideration of Carver's...