Frederick Barthelme is a renowned figure in the realm of minimalist fiction, known for his distinctive narrative approach that focuses on the surface of events rather than diving deep into psychological motivations. This stylistic choice often draws criticism for perceived moral ambiguities and a lack of historical context. However, Barthelme's essay “On Being Wrong: Convicted Minimalist Spills Bean” (1988) offers a robust defense, suggesting that his minimalist style is a conscious reaction against both postmodernist and traditional realist conventions. Barthelme advocates for capturing the enigmatic nature of human experience, which he believes can only be effectively conveyed through minimalistic storytelling techniques.

Minimalism in Modern Settings

In Barthelme's stories, the settings are quintessentially modern, often taking place in malls, restaurants, and apartment complexes. These environments reflect contemporary America's everyday life, highlighting the peculiarities often ignored by the average observer. Barthelme uses stylistic innovation to accentuate the uncanny aspects of suburban experience, fascinating readers with the unexpected, such as the use of second-person narration. This approach creates a narrative atmosphere that is simultaneously unsettling and celebratory. Robert H. Brinkmeyer aptly describes Barthelme’s work as a blend of the alien with the familiar, challenging readers to navigate the ambivalence this fusion generates.

Characters and Contemporary Culture

Barthelme's characters inhabit a world where the line between public and private life is blurred. They are keen observers, acutely aware of their surroundings, yet heavily influenced by the culture that envelops them. Their lives are marked by a desire for change, tempered by skepticism about the authenticity of personal transformation. Critic Timothy Peters identifies a subtle heroism in these characters' lives; they avoid nostalgia and resist scheming for a more rewarding future, preferring to face the complexities of contemporary life with integrity and curiosity.

Exploring "Shopgirls"

The story "Shopgirls," from the collection Moon Deluxe, exemplifies Barthelme's exploration of how consumer culture impacts individuals. Set in a mall, it follows a narrator who voyeuristically watches female clerks. Andrea, a clerk who manages purses, initiates interaction by inviting the narrator to lunch with her and her coworkers. The interactions are filled with teasing, superficial conversations, and a surprising invitation to spend the night, which the narrator declines in favor of more voyeuristic fantasies. This narrative strategy, where the reader is addressed as "you," akin to a camera's perspective, highlights the pervasive influence of media and imagery on American life.

The Intricacies of "Safeway"

Another story in Moon Deluxe, "Safeway," uses a similar second-person perspective, immersing the reader in the experience of a man shopping for waffles. As he waits in line with a woman named Sarah, a confrontation with two men adds a surreal twist, underscored by an evocative photograph described in the story. The narrative is laden with brand names, reflecting on how consumer choices define individual identity. Despite the narrator's acute awareness of his environment, he remains oblivious to his psychological processes, as evidenced by his playful but aimless actions. This story's enigmatic images and narrative style mirror Barthelme’s connection to postmodernism.

Repetition and Revelation in "Driver"

"Driver," from Chroma, illustrates Brinkmeyer’s notion that Barthelme's protagonists often feel trapped in monotonous lives. The narrator embarks on a spontaneous journey after trading his reliable Toyota for a flamboyant low-rider adorned with an image of the Virgin Mary and wolves. This impulsive decision leads to a series of events that culminate in an epiphany. Driving through a deserted cityscape, the narrator encounters roller-skaters and twin dogs, reflecting on his mundane life and sudden foray into spontaneity. This story explores the tension between routine and revelation, leaving readers to interpret the narrator’s journey and its significance.