Raymond Carver Biography
Raymond Carver was a man of few words. Often characterized by an economy that bordered on austerity, Carver’s stories were short and plainly written, and his terse prose lent itself perfectly to his favorite subject: working-class America. Aside from poetry, which was written in the same no-frills style, Carver devoted himself exclusively to short stories. What really set Carver apart from other authors, however, was his exploration of the dark side of Americana. In the simple lives of small town folk, Carver uncovered the violence, rage, and loneliness lurking just beneath the surface. Like many writers, his posthumous reputation has grown exponentially, and it is impossible to imagine any serious study of the short story that does not include the extraordinary work of Raymond Carver.
Facts and Trivia
- The alcoholism that figured prominently in Carver’s work was a sad reflection of his own battles with the disease.
- Among Carver’s many influences was the author Anton Chekhov. One of Carver’s last stories, “Errand,” took place during the final hours of the Russian writer’s life.
- The economy of Carver’s writing was not a purely aesthetic choice. He often worked day jobs and thus had less time to devote to his writing.
- Carver’s low-key approach and focus on everyday life is evident in one of his most famous stories, “What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” which depicts a simple conversation between two couples.
- Carver’s short story “So Much Water So Close to Home” has been adapted to film twice: first as one of many interlocking Carver tales in Robert Altman’s mosaic Short Cuts, and then as the 2006 film Jindabyne.
- He was famously married to writer Tess Gallagher.
Biography
Born on May 25, 1938, in the small town of Clatskanie, Oregon, Raymond Carver emerged as one of America's foremost short story writers. His early life, marked by modest beginnings and the influence of his father's love for storytelling, paved the way for his literary pursuits. From navigating a string of low-paying jobs to battling personal demons, Carver's life was as complex as the characters he penned.
Early Life and Aspirations
Raymond Carver entered the world as the son of Clevie Raymond, a laborer, and Ella Beatrice Raymond, a homemaker. In 1941, the family relocated to Yakima, Washington, where Carver's father regaled him with stories and read aloud, igniting in him a passion for writing. During his youth, Carver's interests spanned fishing, hunting, and baseball, but his heart was set on storytelling. After finishing his studies at Yakima High School in 1956, he married Maryann Burk, then only sixteen. By 1958, the young couple had welcomed a daughter and a son and made a new home in Paradise, California, where Carver attended Chico State College and studied under novelist John Gardner.
Struggles and Education
For over a decade, Carver juggled various low-wage jobs, such as working as a gas station attendant and cleaning hospitals, to support his growing family while pursuing his education. In 1963, he achieved a milestone by earning a degree from Humboldt State College. Soon after, he joined the Iowa Writers' Workshop but financial constraints cut short his tenure there. Returning to California in 1964, Carver settled in Sacramento. Despite struggling with ongoing financial difficulties and alcohol addiction, his writing began to gain recognition. His story, "Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?", featured in The Best American Short Stories, 1967, heralded his arrival as a writer. Following this, his debut poetry collection, Near Klamath, surfaced in 1968, succeeded by Winter Insomnia in 1970.
Teaching and Turmoil
By the early 1970s, Carver had taken on a series of temporary teaching positions at institutions such as the University of California at Santa Cruz, University of California at Berkeley, and the Iowa Writers' Workshop. However, the demands of teaching intensified his struggle with alcoholism. In 1974, his failure to fulfill teaching duties led to his dismissal from the University of California at Santa Barbara, further exacerbating his financial woes, culminating in another bankruptcy filing.
Literary Breakthrough and Recovery
1976 marked a turning point when Carver's first story collection, Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?, was published by McGraw-Hill to widespread acclaim. Yet, his battle with alcohol continued to overshadow his growing success, landing him in hospitals multiple times. It wasn't until June 1977 that Carver finally conquered his addiction, leading to a significant positive shift in his life. That year, Capra Press released his second story collection, Furious Seasons.
Recognition and Mastery
In 1981, Carver's storytelling prowess was further celebrated with the publication of his third collection, What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, by Knopf. Critics lauded Carver for his masterful command of the short story form. Knopf once again published his work in 1983, introducing Cathedral, which included the acclaimed story "A Small, Good Thing." The collection earned nominations for both the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize, while "A Small, Good Thing" garnered an O. Henry Award and a place in the Pushcart Prize annual.
Personal Life and Final Years
By 1984, Carver had divorced his first wife and entered a new chapter with poet Tess Gallagher, moving to Port Angeles, Washington. During this period, he published a poetry collection, Where Water Comes Together with Water in 1985, followed by Ultramarine in 1986. Despite these achievements, Carver's health began to decline; in 1987, he was diagnosed with lung cancer, attributed to heavy smoking. Even after the removal of a significant portion of his left lung, the cancer persisted. In a poignant turn, he married Tess Gallagher in June 1988. Tragically, Carver succumbed to the disease on August 2 of the same year at their home in Port Washington, leaving behind a legacy etched in the annals of American literature.
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