The Wapshot Scandal (Magill’s Survey of American Literature, Revised Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: John Cheever
- First Published: 1964
- Type of Work: Novel
- Genres: Long fiction, Social realism, Regional fiction, Family literature, Satire
- Subjects: 1960’s, Family or family life, Sex or sexuality, New England, Alcoholism or alcoholics, Substance abuse, Adultery, Cruelty, Public relations, Eccentrics or eccentricities, Scandal, Taxation, Missiles
- Locales: Rome, Italy, St. Botolphs, MA
Similarities between The Wapshot Scandal and the work to which it serves as sequel, The Wapshot Chronicle, are readily apparent: the similar cast of characters (though Leander and Sarah are both dead), the use of a framing device (two Christmases at St. Botolphs), and the interweaving of multiple narratives. Honora, still eccentric but now more sympathetic, tries to escape persecution for nonpayment of taxes by traveling to Italy. There she finds herself homesick rather than free and, in the company of an equally lonely Internal Revenue Service agent, returns to St....
[The entire page is 1362 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
