Popular Mechanics analysis

• "...the snow was melting into dirty water"

  technique - pathetic fallacy

  analysis - "snow" is a symbol of baby's innocence. winter is season of death in nature, foreshadows baby's death. represents coldness of household, no love or warmth.

  "dirty" - symbolic of corrupt nature of parents - how unpleasant and muddy their argument is
• "the day the weather turned"

  technique - foreshadowing

  analysis- signifies change in couple's relationship. implies disruption or turning point
• "streaks of it ran down from the shoulder-high window"

  analysis- "streaks" connotes something marked, grimy, stained - shows parents stained with darkness/selfishness - they are corrupt
• "it was getting dark. but it was getting dark on the inside too"

  analysis - contributes to cold atmosphere. omission/ ambiguity as to whats getting dark leaves us to consider the possibility that its not only the home thats getting dark, but the characters are also filled with darkness/ resentment
• "pushing clothes into a suitcase"

  analysis- "pushing" connotes force, violence, frustration. conveys the man as angered and hostile which foreshadows the conflict
• "Popular mechanics"

  technique- metaphorical title

  analysis- "mechanics" connotes inner workings, complexity, machinery. - implies complexity of relationship. "popular" connotes something widespread and universal, implying a dysfunctional, confrontational relationship is typical - universal archetypes convey the fact that this could be anyone
• "I'm glad you're leaving! I'm glad you're leaving! she said Do you hear?"

  technique - repetition

  analysis- exasperated frustration of woman, repetition implies she is being ignored. repetition of phrase "im glad youre leaving" is an immature provocation that attempts to incite a reaction from the man. By saying she doesnt care, it highlights the fact that she does.
• "son of a bitch"

  analysis- escalation of language shows immaturity/ selfishness resorting to foul language and name calling. omission of inverted commas creates detached tone and lack of communication.
• "then she noticed the baby's picture... picked it up"

  foreshadows baby being treated as an object to be owned - neglect / covetousness
• "Bring that back... I want the baby... No, but I want the baby"

  mans first lines of dialogue portray him as cold and emotionless. disturbing assertiveness shows his determination and unwavering nature, therefore making him dangerous.