Throughout this story Carver experiments with the use of quotation and meditates on the healing factors of storytelling.
The main character, an unnamed man, has been dropped off at Frank Martin's alcohol rehabilitation center by his girlfriend, not to be confused with his wife.
J.P. is a chimney sweep drunk whose father-in-law and brother-in-law recently dropped him off at Frank Martin's as well.
J.P. tells the story of how he met his wife, Roxy, one afternoon at a friend's house.
The story title comes from the last few lines where he says:I won't raise my voice.