The American suburb as a battlefield
Briefly

The article explores the dissonance between the surface beauty of American suburbia and the emotional turmoil that lies beneath, as depicted in works by authors like John Cheever and Richard Yates. Cheever's story 'The Swimmer' illustrates a suburbanite's descent into existential crisis during a seemingly mundane trek through neighbors' pools. Likewise, Yates's stories highlight the collapse of romantic relationships within the constraints of suburban life. This literary critique emphasizes how the idyllic suburban lifestyle can lead to hidden despair and the longing for unchosen paths, resonating with the experiences of modern families.
John Cheever's 'The Swimmer' critiques the facade of American suburbia, revealing a deeper pain and self-destructive tendency hidden beneath its idyllic exterior.
Richard Yates's 'Eleven Kinds of Loneliness' captures the collapse of couples in suburban life, uncovering how mundane comforts can mask profound personal despair.
Read at english.elpais.com
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