The People of Cheever's World

Be they urban sophisticates, suburban dwellers, or wide-eyed travelers, those who inhabit "Cheever's world" are unmistakably modern both in look and outlook. With characters that resonate with recognition, they tread landscapes of familiar ideas. Within his narratives, one encounters the wise and wonderful, the virtuous and the villainous, the bitter and the sweet facets of humanity. As they chase the elusive American dream, Cheever's protagonists—often antiheroes of modern times—engage life with expectations as unrealistic as they are unfounded, often propped up by an illusory past or the absurdity of the present.

A Pattern of Conflict

From his inaugural tale, "Expelled," Cheever carved a niche in his storytelling, spotlighting the dislocated soul clashing with the demands of modernity. These characters, grappling to preserve identity, self-worth, or core convictions, engage in private battles with the world at large, until the intervention of reason or futility leads them to hoist the flag of compromise, restoring a fragile yet fleeting peace.

The Struggle for Survival

For Cheever's characters, survival is the central concern. Despite enjoying social and economic comforts in the modern landscape, his protagonists often find themselves plagued by fear, confusion, and the shadow of looming failure. Lost amidst the sprawling absurdities of contemporary life, many grasp desperately at anything to stay afloat—be it the illusion of self, a glass of gin, or a reckless night of passion. Some will capitulate to the burdens of pain, solitude, or incompetence, sinking into the depths of despair; yet others will be buoyed by an innate ability to adapt, endure, or find salvation in reconciliation. Whether in victory or defeat, these characters are intimately acquainted with suffering, earning Cheever's portrayal infused with romantic, at times sentimental, compassion.

Passions and Places

It is often observed that passions and places form the backbone of Cheever's storytelling. Thus, just as St. Botolphs became a pivotal element in the Wapshot novels, Cheever consistently transformed various locales into characters themselves within his tales. Initially celebrated as an urban author, he was first acclaimed for his vibrant depictions of city tenants, elevator operators, superintendents, and eccentrics. Later, following his suburban retreat, Cheever crafted a modern-day nightmare with settings bearing interchangeable names like Shady Hill, Proxmire Manor, and Bullet Park, places where he weighed the essence of existence and the cost of deception.