In John Cheever's story reunion, what do the restaurants symbolize.
Why does Charlie call hi father daddy at the end of the story?
Examine the first and last sentences of the story. What is common and why? How do you interpret the ending of the story? Does Charlie accept of reject his father?
What does the story why does Charlie's father want to get him a newspaper? Could this have any symbolic value in the story?
What is the significance of the title? Although the the story depicts Charlie's reunion with his father the word reunion id used without a definite or an indefinite article. Why?
Comment on the following quotes from the story " I would have to plan my campaigns within his limitations." / "I smelled my father the way my mother sniffs a rose."
I have answered all the other questions on the assignment but I am struggling with these ones.
In service with a smile how does Jesse change at the end
To answer your questions and analyze the story "Reunion" by John Cheever, here are some explanations that can help you:
1. The symbolism of the restaurants: In the story, the multiple restaurants represent different facets of the relationship between Charlie and his father. Each restaurant visit reflects a different layer of their connection, or lack thereof. For instance, the fancy restaurant they initially visit represents Charlie's admiration for his father and his desire for a close relationship. However, as they continue to visit less desirable restaurants, it symbolizes the deterioration of their relationship and highlights Charlie's disappointment in his father's behavior.
2. Calling his father "daddy": At the end of the story, Charlie calls his father "daddy" as a reflection of his inner child-like longing for a deep emotional connection with his father. This act conveys Charlie's desperation for his father's approval and love, despite all the disappointments that occurred during their short reunion.
3. First and last sentences: The commonality between the first and last sentences of the story is the mention of the meeting place, Grand Central Station. This repetition serves to frame the story and emphasize the circular nature of Charlie's relationship with his father. It suggests that despite the events that transpired in the story, ultimately, Charlie is back where he began, trapped in a recurring pattern of hope and disappointment.
Interpreting the ending: The ending of the story is open to interpretation. It can be seen as a realization by Charlie that his father will never change, and he must accept that and let go of his desperate need for his father's love. It can also be viewed as Charlie rejecting his father's constant disappointment and deciding to distance himself emotionally from him.
4. The significance of the newspaper: Charlie's father wanting to get him a newspaper carries symbolic value in the story. It implies that Charlie's father wants him to focus on trivial matters or distractions instead of confronting the uncomfortable truth about their strained relationship. It highlights how Charlie's father avoids addressing their deeper emotional issues.
5. Significance of the title: The titled use of "reunion" without an article emphasizes the generic nature of the term. It suggests that Charlie's reunion with his father is not a genuine or meaningful one. It conveys the idea that their encounters are not true reunions but rather repetitive and disappointing encounters that fail to resolve their underlying issues.
6. Analysis of quotes: The quote "I would have to plan my campaigns within his limitations" reflects Charlie's awareness that he must adapt and navigate around his father's flaws and limitations to maintain any semblance of a relationship. It emphasizes the power dynamic between them and Charlie's resignation to the fact that his father is not capable of meeting his emotional needs.
The quote "I smelled my father the way my mother sniffs a rose" showcases Charlie's yearning for a deep connection with his father. It suggests that despite his father's flaws, Charlie still finds traces of love and familiarity in his presence, similar to how a mother cherishes the fragrance of a rose.