John Updike, “The Persistence of Desire”
“Clyde became so lonely watching his old street when, with a sucking exclamation, the door from the vestibule opened, he looked up gratefully, certain that the person, this being his hometown, would be a friend.” (Updike 561)
Updike is a chronic comma user like me. I love the truth in this quote. The character, so early in the story, is completely open and aware. You can tell a lot about the guy, what he’s like, what he feels, and how old he is, all in an even flow with the plot, setting and the storyline. Some writers block their writing up by giving planned, monotonous character descriptions that separate from the storyline, and give descriptions on paper in black ink, while Updike let’s you see what colors you will pull from the scenery and the characters he writes about. He gives his opinion in what he wants you to see descretely but surely. Updike wants you to find out what he’s thinking for the story, while leaving it up for interpretation. Not many writers let you decide who you want the characters to be, which is a persuasive way to make fans.
“’I’m always coming bask. Its just you’ve never been here.’
‘Well, I’ve’- she seated herself on an orange bench and crossed her plump legs cockily-‘been in Germany with my husband.’”
Throughout the story, Clyde’s descriptions of Janet make her seem slightly repulsive. It is interesting that Updike chose to describe Janet the way he did, making the reader question why someone who describes her as Clyde does, would actually still have feelings for her. As the reader, I find it hard to pinpoint exactly why he likes her, but then again, does he know why himself?
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