When I remember my family, I always remember their backs. They were always indignantly leaving places

When I remember my family, I always remember their backs. They were always indignantly leaving places

John Cheever, a master of the short story form, often explored themes of family dynamics, social class, and the complexities of human relationships in his work. In the quote, “When I remember my family, I always remember their backs. They were always indignantly leaving places,” Cheever captures the essence of familial discord and the sense of displacement that often permeates his stories.

Cheever’s characters frequently grapple with feelings of alienation and disconnection, both from society at large and from their own families. In many of his stories, family members are portrayed as being at odds with one another, unable to communicate effectively or find common ground. This sense of discord is reflected in the image of family members “indignantly leaving places,” suggesting a pattern of conflict and unresolved tension within the family unit.

The theme of departure and estrangement is a recurring motif in Cheever’s work, reflecting his own struggles with personal demons and a sense of displacement in his own life. Cheever himself grappled with issues of alcoholism, depression, and a sense of alienation from his own family, which undoubtedly influenced his writing. The image of family members “always leaving places” can be seen as a metaphor for Cheever’s own sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction with his own life and relationships.

Cheever’s stories often depict the breakdown of traditional family structures and the disintegration of familial bonds. In “The Swimmer,” for example, the protagonist Ned Merrill embarks on a surreal journey through his suburban neighborhood, swimming through his neighbors’ pools in a desperate attempt to reconnect with his family and recapture his lost youth. The story ends with Ned returning home to find his house empty and abandoned, symbolizing the ultimate breakdown of his family and his own sense of identity.

Overall, Cheever’s exploration of family dynamics and the theme of departure in his work reflects his own struggles with personal demons and a sense of displacement in his own life. The image of family members “always leaving places” serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human relationships and the difficulty of finding connection and belonging in a world marked by alienation and disconnection.