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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 4 page essay on John Updike's short story "The Rumor." Through the processes of setting, symbolism and characterization, Updike demonstrates how the theme of the contextual nature of human relationships can lead to new interpretation of the self and a changed view of reality for the story's protagonist. No additional sources cited.
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4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khrumup.rtf
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of social interactions. In other words, how people view themselves and their actions, that is, their insight into their own behavior is contextual, at least partially derived from how they
are perceived, which influences and provides the backdrop for self-perception. John Updike employs this factor in his short story "The Rumor." Through the processes of setting, symbolism and characterization, Updike
demonstrates how the theme of the contextual nature of human relationships can lead to new interpretation of the self and a changed view of reality for the storys protagonist.
Setting plays a key role in the narrative, on several levels. First of all, Frank and Sharon Whittier, the protagonists, were drawn to each other initially, not due to intense
sexual attraction, but rather due to the realization that each one represented the others best opportunity "to get out of Cincinnati" (203). Franks sense of betrayal by Sharon when first
confronted with the rumor emphasizes this point as he considers how he was Sharons "rescuer," as he had slain "the dragon of the Ohio" (208). Furthermore, setting is crucial because
Updike makes it obvious that the artistic community of Manhattan is so small that the rumor mill soon spreads the idea of Franks homosexuality to all of the couples social
circle. It soon becomes apparent that everyone with whom Sharon and Frank come into contact know the rumor and believe it. This creates the confrontational atmosphere between the couple that
causes both characters to contemplate the degree of intimacy in their relationship, as well as their understanding of each other. Sharon realizes that there is a lack of intimacy between
them, and, despite the pain involved, rather enjoys the "deeper level of intimacy" that discussing the rumor fosters between them (203). Frank considers his childhood, how he felt closer to
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