John Updike Questions and Answers
John Updike
In John Updike's "Separating," what is the significance of Dickie's passionate kiss to his father?
The significance of Dickie's passionate kiss to his father in John Updike's "Separating" symbolizes the missing connection between Richard and his wife, Judith. As Richard can no longer communicate...
John Updike
What effect does the fragmented time structure have in Updike's "The Brown Chest"?
The fragmentation in John Updike's "The Brown Chest" helps us grasp the passage of time as well as both the changes and the continuity of the narrator's life. Let's look at this in more detail. The...
John Updike
What are the internal conflicts in "Separating" by John Updike?
In John Updike's "Separating," the external conflicts are seen between the members of the family as Richard and Joan prepare to tell their children of—and then discuss—what they say will be a trial...
John Updike
What is the significance of the boy finding his own drawings in the chest in "The Brown Chest" by John Updike?
When the boy finds his own drawings in this chest, he says he’s “shocked.” You could consider “shocked” an emotion. In that case, D would probably be your best answer. If you took a more general...
John Updike
How to analyze and create a thesis for John Updike's "Dog's Death"?
To analyze and create a thesis for John Updike's "Dog's Death," focus on the poem's exploration of unseen injuries and the inevitability of death. Consider Updike's techniques, such as stanza...
John Updike
How do characterization, plot, and setting reveal the theme of A&P?
The plot, setting, and characterization certainly contribute to the main theme in A&P: the allure of female sexuality and the emotions it elicits in the male psyche.
John Updike
Literary analysis and key terms in John Updike's poem "Perfection Wasted."
In John Updike's poem "Perfection Wasted," key literary devices include imagery, metaphor, and personification. The poem reflects on the uniqueness of individual talents and the sense of loss when...
John Updike
What does "Separating" by John Updike suggest about ambiguity in ending relationships?
About ambiguity when ending a relationship, “Separating” by John Updike arguably says there should be a clear declaration even if it’s unclear why the partnership is over. One way to think about...