Point of View

The narrative is third person omniscient. It allows the reader to see into the thoughts and feelings of the character that is narrating. The novel has several characters that it slips from one conscious to another. Updike starts the novel with the reader following Harry’s thoughts then allows them to see into the thoughts of Ruth, Reverend Eccles, Janice, and Lucy Eccles. By following each of these characters’ thoughts, it gives the reader a well-rounded view of how all of the characters think and feel.

Setting

The novel is set in the towns of Mt. Judge and Brewer, Pennsylvania in 1959. The main character is in his twenties and attempting to figure out his life. Mt. Judge is a small town and the characters there live their lives dutifully. Brewer is a large city and people do what they want there. The contrast of morals...