This thesis investigates the pervasive themes of economic hardship, social alienation, and psychological distress within Raymond Carver's short stories. Implementing a theoretical framework grounded in abnormal psychology and social class analysis, the research examines how Carver's characters navigate the challenges of suburban ennui, domestic instability, and gender issues. These frameworks facilitate a deeper understanding of the psychological and societal forces that shape the characters' lives, revealing the intersections between personal turmoil and broader socio-economic conditions. For the purposes of analysis, the short stories have been categorized into themes such as financial desperation, job insecurity, marital difficulties, gender issues, and suburban ennui. The findings suggest that Carver’s stories depict not only the struggles of marginalized individuals but also serve as a critique of the systemic inequalities that perpetuate their suffering, offering readers a profound reflection on the human condition within the context of contemporary society. It is through Carver's use of dirty realism and minimalism that this meticulous examination of contemporary society is made possible.
