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.
I've never read this story, but you may get some ideas here:
http://www.litro.co.uk/2013/01/reunion-by-john-cheever/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reunion_%28short_story%29
http://upthebarestairs.wordpress.com/2012/09/11/reunion-by-john-cheever/
Remember NOT to copy and paste anything. If I can find these websites online, so can your teacher!
Oh, these questions are a real circus! Let me put on my red nose and have a go at them:
1. What do the restaurants symbolize in "Reunion"? Well, these eateries might just represent the different stages of Charlie's relationship with his father. Kinda like a buffet of emotions!
2. Why does Charlie call his father "daddy" at the end? Maybe Charlie realized that his father is nothing more than a grown-up kid. So, using "daddy" is his way of saying, "You're just a big clown!"
3. The first and last sentences of the story have something in common? Well, they both have words! But seriously, they both mention a train station. Maybe it symbolizes the journey Charlie takes in reconnecting with his father. All aboard the emotional express!
4. The story mentioned that Charlie's father wanted to get him a newspaper. Maybe he wanted to keep Charlie informed and in touch with the world. Or maybe he just wanted to pack him a decent sandwich, wrapped in some newspaper comic strips. Yummy!
5. The significance of the title? "Reunion" without an article is like a mystery novel without a plot. It leaves you guessing! Maybe the absence of an article emphasizes that this reunion isn't just any reunion, but a special and memorable one. Added suspense, baby!
6. Ah, those quotes! "Planning campaigns within limitations" could mean that Charlie had to be strategic when dealing with his father's quirks and idiosyncrasies. And smelling his father like his mother sniffs a rose? Hey, everybody has their own unique fragrance, even fathers. It's like a fruity scent mixed with a touch of disappointment.
Remember, interpreting stories is like juggling balls - sometimes one falls, but you just keep clowning around until you get it right!
1. In John Cheever's story "Reunion," the restaurants symbolize the strained relationship between the father and son. The story unfolds as the protagonist, Charlie, meets his father for a brief reunion in New York City. However, instead of spending quality time together, the father takes Charlie to a series of fancy restaurants but constantly displays rude and demanding behavior towards the staff. These restaurants represent the father's superficiality, his obsession with appearances, and his inability to connect with Charlie on a deeper emotional level.
2. Charlie calls his father "daddy" at the end of the story because it reflects his unresolved longing for a father figure and a desire for a genuine connection. Despite the disappointment and frustration experienced throughout their reunion, Charlie still yearns for a nurturing and loving relationship with his father. By using the term "daddy," Charlie seeks to bridge the emotional gap that separates them, even if momentarily.
3. The first and last sentences of the story share a common theme of disappointment and disillusionment. The opening sentence, "When I was seventeen, my father took me to New York City," introduces the anticipated reunion with a sense of hope and expectation. However, the final sentence, "I went over to the ticket window and bought a ticket home," signifies Charlie's realization that his father will never change and that he cannot salvage their relationship. This ending suggests that Charlie is rejecting his father's behavior and choosing to distance himself emotionally.
4. Charlie's father's desire to get him a newspaper could have symbolic value in the story. It represents his superficiality and the superficial nature of their reunion. Throughout the story, the father appears more concerned with displaying his wealth and status than with genuinely connecting with his son. Getting Charlie a newspaper could be seen as an attempt to maintain appearances rather than fostering a true connection or engaging in meaningful conversation.
5. The significance of the title, "Reunion," lies in its ambiguity. By omitting the definite or indefinite article, the word "reunion" avoids specifying whether it is a positive or negative event. This reflects the ambivalence and mixed emotions that Charlie experiences during his brief encounter with his father. While the meeting is technically a reunion, it does not lead to reconciliation or resolution, leaving the tone of the title open-ended.
6. The quote "I would have to plan my campaigns within his limitations" suggests that Charlie has learned to navigate his father's shortcomings and adjust his expectations accordingly. He understands that his father has limitations in terms of emotional depth and genuine connection, so he has to adapt his approach in order to interact with him. The quote "I smelled my father the way my mother sniffs a rose" reflects Charlie's simile comparing his perception of his father to his mother's perception of a rose. It illustrates Charlie's yearning for an idealized version of his father, emphasizing his desire for an emotional connection and a deeper understanding of his father's true character.
To analyze John Cheever's story "Reunion" and answer these questions, you need to carefully examine the text and consider literary devices and themes. Here's how you can approach each question:
1. Symbolism of the restaurants:
- To determine the meaning behind the restaurants, pay attention to the descriptions of the establishments and the interactions that take place within them. Look for patterns or ideas that they might represent. Consider themes such as social class, superficiality, or the fleeting nature of relationships.
2. Charlie calling his father "daddy":
- Analyze the significance of Charlie's choice to call his father "daddy" rather than a more formal term. Look for clues throughout the story that suggest their relationship and any emotional shifts or insights experienced by Charlie. Consider themes of nostalgia, yearning for a paternal figure, or Charlie's desire for a simpler, more innocent connection.
3. Comparison of the first and last sentences:
- Examine the similarities between the first and last sentences in terms of language use, structure, or themes. Consider how it sets the tone or introduces a particular idea or conflict. Then, analyze the ending of the story by evaluating whether Charlie accepts or rejects his father. Look for passages that reveal Charlie's emotions, reactions, or actions towards his father and interpret them in the context of the overall narrative.
4. Symbolic value of the newspaper:
- Explore why Charlie's father wants to get him a newspaper and consider its potential symbolic value. Look for key details or phrases in the story that mention the newspaper or its significance. Think about how the newspaper might represent communication or a connection to the external world outside of their reunion. Consider themes such as conformity, tradition, or the passing of time.
5. Significance of the title:
- Analyze the usage of the word "reunion" in the story's title without a definite or indefinite article. Consider why the author made this stylistic choice and how it influences the reader's interpretation. Reflect on the nature of Charlie's reunion with his father and the possible implications of leaving out the article. Consider themes such as ambivalence, uncertainty, or the inability to fully reconcile.
6. Interpretation of quotes:
- For the quotes "I would have to plan my campaigns within his limitations" and "I smelled my father the way my mother sniffs a rose," consider the context in which they appear and the feelings they evoke. Analyze the language, imagery, and emotions expressed. Reflect on the themes of coping with or accepting limitations, the complexity of familial relationships, or the significance of sensory experiences.
Remember, when analyzing a literary work, it's important to support your interpretations with evidence from the text. Don't hesitate to reread sections, take notes, or discuss your ideas with others to deepen your understanding.