Earlier in this chapter, you read the short story “Popular Mechanics” by Raymond Carver (p. 39), and you looked specifically at the ways the literary elements, such as setting and characterization, led to an interpretation of the theme of the story. Reread the story, this time focusing on how Carver uses diction, syntax, figurative language, and imagery to illustrate theme. If you need help recognizing stylistic patterns, try looking for curiosities, repetitions, opposites, and links.