Stories have what we call a narrative line, and there is a classic line that traditional stories have (and this includes novels, short stories, movies, etc.). I have illustrated it in the narrative line .doc below. So, have a peek.
After you glance at and get to know this traditional narrative line pattern, I would like you to draw the “line” that captures the story shape of Raymond Carver’s “Popular Mechanics.” If you want to, you can map that line right on top the traditional narrative line I have given you (I assume you all have some kind of drawing utility in your word processing program).
You must also explain to me why you have drawn your narrative line the way you have. I will give out points depending on the shape of the line and on the quality of the explanation you have given.