Hi can you please help me with John Cheever's Enormous Radio.
I'm having trouble understanding what it was in the story that helped create our national identity of the time (1947)
is it the new radio that Jim bought his wife?
please help me.
Please see the previous answers posted in response to your questions.
http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1232672435
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Certainly, I'd be happy to help you with your question about John Cheever's "The Enormous Radio" and its contribution to our national identity in 1947.
In order to understand how the story contributes to the national identity of the time, it's important to consider the context in which it was written. The story was published in 1947, just after the end of World War II, during a period of significant social change in America. This was a time when technological advancements were rapidly making their way into people's homes, particularly in the form of the radio.
In "The Enormous Radio," Jim and Irene Westcott purchase a new radio that allows them to overhear the conversations of their neighbors. At first, they find it entertaining but eventually become consumed by the dark and secretive world they discover through the radio. This obsession leads to the unraveling of their own lives and the breakdown of their seemingly perfect marriage.
While the new radio itself may not be the direct cause of shaping the national identity, it serves as a metaphor for the intrusion of technology into everyday life and the unsettling consequences that can arise from it. The story reflects a broader societal concern during that time period about the impact of technology on individual privacy, social relationships, and the erosion of traditional values.
To fully grasp the contribution of "The Enormous Radio" to the national identity of 1947, it is helpful to analyze the story's themes and symbolism, as well as to consider the societal context and the fears and anxieties it addresses. Additionally, exploring critical analyses and scholarly interpretations of the story can provide further insight into its significance and its reflection of the time period.
By understanding these elements and engaging in a deeper analysis of the story, you will gain a clearer understanding of how "The Enormous Radio" contributes to our understanding of the national identity during that particular period of American history.