Technology, Contingency and Grace: Raymond Carver's "A Small, Good Thing" (Critical Essay‪)‬

Abstract: In this essay I argue that Carver's story "A Small, Good Thing" can be read as an illustration of Albert Borgmann's argument that contemporary technological society conceals grace by encouraging the illusion than an individual can exert total control over her environment. The story shows how radical contingency punctures this illusion and offers potential for grace-filled communion with others through humble acts of hospitality. These humble acts--the small, good things of life together--parallel the giving and receiving of grace that takes place during the Eucharist. **********