In "My Father's Life" by Raymond Carver I learned that Raymond Jr is an alcoholic, has the same name as his father, and an inability to settle. These are all traits that he has in common with his father. I will further discuss the things that children learn from their parents and take with them throughout their adulthood.
             In the beginning of the story we are told of the common names between Raymond and his father. I got the impression that he did not like having the same name as his father. I base this assumption that he doesn't like having the same name as his dad on when he said: "I hated the 'Junior' part". Another reason I say he didn't like having the same name as his dad is when he put this information in his story: "When my wife answered the phone, my mother blurted out, 'Raymond's dead!' For a moment, my wife thought my mother was telling her that I was dead. Then my mother made it clear which Raymond she was talking about." Why would Raymond include this in his story unless he disliked it. I think this is a way of inadvertently expressing his dislike for having the same name. Raymond was always confused with his father. I think he didn't want to be like his father. During his childhood and later on in life he would strive to be his own person.
             Raymond's father was an alcoholic, and he was an alcoholic even before Raymond was born. His mother met Raymond's father coming out of a tavern. I think Raymond's drinking problem was inherited. Raymond would always see his father drunk, and he even tried some of his father's liquor when he was younger. Raymond's father's death was even caused by his drinking problem. When a child grows up in an environment like that it is more than likely the child will also have a drinking problem. Raymond had a drinking problem, we find this out w
             ...