Updike uses a rich vocabulary. He doesn't shy away from using complex words when they are needed to convey a precise meaning. This makes his writing more nuanced and engaging.
Dos Passos is known for his use of stream - of - consciousness. In his short stories, characters' thoughts flow freely, which gives readers a deeper insight into their inner worlds. This technique also helps to convey the chaos and complexity of the human mind. Additionally, he uses vivid and detailed descriptions of settings, which make the stories' environments come alive. For instance, when describing a city street, he might include the smells, the sounds, and the look of the buildings in great detail. This not only creates a more immersive reading experience but also reflects the importance of the environment in shaping the characters' lives.
Well, John Updike's short stories usually have themes like suburban life, identity, and the passage of time. The style is characterized by precise language and a deep understanding of human nature. For example, in some stories, he uses vivid imagery to bring the settings to life.
His short stories in The New Yorker showed his versatility. He could write about different themes, from love and lust to the search for identity. The exposure in The New Yorker helped him gain critical acclaim. Critics noticed his unique style of writing, which was detailed, often filled with rich descriptions of the physical world around his characters. This made his stories in the magazine a talking point among literary circles, further enhancing his reputation.
You can start by checking your local library. Libraries usually have collections of his works, and the librarians can help you find the short story anthologies that contain his best ones.
Another theme is the passage of time and how it affects people. Updike's characters are often aware of their own aging and the changing world around them. This can be seen in how they reflect on their past experiences and how those shape their present selves.
Some of his well - known short stories include 'A & P'. It's a simple yet profound story set in a grocery store that explores themes of youth, consumerism, and non - conformity through the eyes of a young cashier.
Another well - known short story is 'Pigeon Feathers'. It delves into the mind of a young boy dealing with religious doubts and the significance of the physical world around him. The description of the pigeon feathers is both vivid and symbolic.
The story often explores themes of conformity, rebellion, and social expectations. The style is known for its vivid descriptions and realistic dialogue.
He influenced it by setting high standards for character development. His characters in these stories were complex and multi - dimensional, which inspired other writers to create more in - depth characters.
One way is to look for anthologies that feature well - known American short stories. Since John Updike is a prominent American writer, such anthologies are likely to include some of his best work. You could also search for literary reviews of his short stories. Many literary magazines and websites review and recommend his stories based on their literary merit.