In response to Nicole's blog...

In response to Nicole's blog...

Nicole mentioned a lot of things about the difference between the two versions of the story... I'd like to add one... The titles. Why do you think Carver's editor changed the title from "Beginners" to "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love"? I think that there's a huge difference between the two titles. For one, "Beginners", to me, is a description and/or reflection of the level of love and level of comprehension of love the four main characters have and experience. I think it's interesting how this group is one of adults and in fact they are beginners with love, especially juxtaposed against the old couple who is 70 years old, and have developed and maintained a sense of true love. I guess even when we become adults, we aren't experienced or even good at a lot of things, such as love. The other title, "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" is more general, i feel. It's more intriguing but more superficial. Then again, i think it's appropriate since a lot of the original story was cut away by Carver's editor. The title makes me think - which i like - and it still holds some of the same insight as "Beginners" since the reader has to ask oneself 'What DO we talk about when we talk about love??' Love is different for everyone and I think that point is proven in both of Carver's versions, though the versions are indeed different and thus the titles reflect the stories in different ways.