Analysis

An analysis of the short story “Reunion” by John Cheever shows that the text has a chronological and circular structure. The events take place over an hour and a half, from the moment Charlie meets his estranged father in Grand Central Station to the moment he leaves to catch his train. 

The main characters are Charlie and his father. Because of his parents’ divorce, Charlie rarely gets to see his father and misses his presence. His father, however, is an alcoholic who is more concerned with showing off than with spending quality time with his son. 

The physical setting is Grand Central Station in New York, as well as the four restaurants that Charlie and his father visit during Charlie’s short stay. The social setting mainly focuses on class differences and on the way Charlie’s father abuses his social status. 

The events are told by a first-person narrator, Charlie, who is also one of the story’s main characters. The narrator’s account is straightforward, which allows readers to form their own opinions on Charlie’s father and his problematic behavior.

The language is matter-of-fact and mainly illustrates the failed relationship between father and son. The language used by Charlie’s father highlights his rudeness and desire to show off, as well as his lack of interest in his son. 

A full analysis of the short story can be found on the following pages.