"Popular Mechanics" and I Kings

Read the following story by Raymond Carver: "Popular Mechanics," 269-270 (also available here: "Popular Mechanics" PDF)

Next, read I Kings 3 in the Bible or watch the following clip from YouTube:
The Story of Solomon and the Two Mothers

After considering both stories, what similarities do you find in the two stories?  In what way could "Popular Mechanics" be read as a retelling of this story? What significant differences do you find in the endings of each?

A more difficult question: One of the "truths" about life in "Popular Mechanics" might have to do with the actions of people. What might that be?

Carefully consider the opening paragraph of the story and explain the significance of the following:
". . . the snow  . . . melting into dirty water."
" . . . the street outside, where it was getting dark. But it was getting dark on the inside too."
How do these lines help establish the tone in the story?