Critical Analysis : “The Five Forty Eight”
John Cheever’s “The Five-Forty-Eight” is a captivating story that
shines light on the struggle to create a facade of perfection in order to
cover up one’s true inner turmoil. Miss Dent is a symbol of Blake’s
past. She symbolizes all of the women that Blake has manipulated
and used in the past.
------------------------------------In "The Five-Forty-Eight," John Cheever, portrays a struggle of good
vs. evil. The effect is largely contributed by the story’s characters
Blake and Mr. Dent.
------------------------------------The protagonist is typical of Cheever: a selfish, misanthropic
personality masked by the trappings of success and careful attention
to appearances. Cheever builds the narrative through his
characterization, and he strings the reader along through suspense of
hers.
------------------------------------The most distasteful aspect is the depiction of the employee as
mentally ill. It perpetuates ugly stereotypes of mentally ill people as
inherently dangerous to others. The character, who clearly suffers
from a depression disorder, isn’t likely to be a threat to anyone but
herself.
------------------------------------Peaceful Triumph in the Face of Evil Atonement can be achieved
without vengeance. Revenge is so basic, so animal a reaction to evil;
it takes a higher level of thinking to achieve redemption without
hateful spite and revenge. Atonement is satisfying after the anguish
of rancor and internal violence brought on by maltreatment. When the
goal is to equalize one’s enemy rather than destroy him, the end
result is fulfilling.
------------------------------------It is a story of a desperate attempt at communication, to be heard, for
resolution, but it illuminates the inherent loneliness of being.
------------------------------------The Five-Forty-Eight by John Cheever is more then a story that
shows the relationship between two kinds of people. It tells the tale of
good vs evil. This short story portrays a struggle of good and evil.