Bill and Arlene have different characters. Bill is more curious, while Arlene is more reserved. Nevertheless, both of them are voyeurs in a way that they enjoy interacting with the spaces and objects of other people. Symbolism plays a major role in this short story. The photos symbolize their neighbor’s, Kitty represents the couple’s insatiable urge to act s others, and the locked doorknob symbolizes their inability to abandon their lifestyle.
Such unusual behavior on the part of Miller’s is caused by their dull lifestyle, which they wish to escape. Bill is constantly looking in the mirror and wears the neighbors’ clothes since he checks if his appearance no longer reminds him of himself. As the couple explores more of the Stones’ apartment, their relationships become more exciting.
Carver uses minimalistic language to highlight the monotonous lives and lackluster personalities of the Miller’s. The characters do not use many words, and all of them are quite simplistic. For example, Arlene describes voyeuristic experience simply as “It’s funny” (Carver 13). This short story is extremely relevant today because, when watching celebrities on social media, people develop false expectations from life.
Work Cited
Carver, Raymond. Will You Please Be Quiet, Please? Vintage, 1992.