Hypocrisy in The Enormous Radio Essay -- Enormous Radio Essays

Hypocrisy in The Enormous Radio  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   In the short story, "The Enormous Radio," by John Cheever, the radio acts as a wake up call for Jim and Irene Westcott. Even though they believe that their life is better than their neighbors’ lives, the radio proves them wrong. The Westcott’s life can be compared to a freshly painted ten-year-old car: nice and shiny on the outside but falling apart on the inside. In the beginning, Jim and Irene seem to have a good life with no problems; they seem to be average, ordinary people. The story states, "The Westcotts differed from their friends, their classmates, and their neighbors only in an interest they shared in serious music" (Cheever 812). This already hints that they might have their share of problems, especially since they are almost exactly like everyone they know. One reason why they might think they have a better life is because of their music, but in actuality, this is where their conflicts arise. Once they get the new radio, everything seems fine, even though they can hear all of the neighbors’ conversations. The Westcotts ...