Al
What do we learn about Al through his thoughts and actions?
He feels stuck in life and avoids responsibility
How does he develop?
he realizes that he is part of the problem
What does Suzy represent besides being a pet?
al's responsibility
How does Carver show “minimalism” in his language
Through short sentences and simple descriptions
What does his way of acting show about his relationship with his family?
he is disconnected at puts his own frustrations first
How does Suzy affect the family, and especially the children?
She brings joy, stability, and comfort
What information is missing, which we must read between the lines?
Al’s deeper motives and the dog’s fate
What does it mean that he tries to find the dog at the end?
it symbolizes a first attempt of making things right
How does the mood change after the dog is gone?
The atmosphere becomes tense and empty
How does the simplicity of the text influence the reading experience?
the reader becomes more active (you have to guess certain things yourself)