Final answer:
John Updike explores the theme of divorce in his story from various perspectives, focusing on the children's emotional experiences depending on their age. The narrative point of view is essential to how the story conveys these experiences, and despite the impact of divorce, research shows that children maintain a belief in the value of marriage and family.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Updike presents divorce in his storytelling through various perspectives, which can include the perspectives of the children, the parents, the neighbors, or even the lawyers. The impact of divorce on children can vary depending on their age. School-aged children may find it particularly difficult because they are old enough to understand the separation but may not fully grasp the reasons behind it, which can lead to feelings of fear, loneliness, guilt, and a pressure to choose sides. On the other hand, older teenagers often recognize the conflict that led to the divorce but may also experience similar emotional challenges. The youngest, such as infants and preschoolers, are often most affected by the disruption of routine that comes with the end of a marriage.
Understanding the point of view from which the story is told - whether it is first person, a detached third person, or an all-knowing third person - is crucial in analyzing how Updike conveys the experience of divorce. If the author uses a character's perspective or an all-knowing narrator, we get a direct insight into the thoughts and feelings of those involved, including children, if they are a focal point. The story's point of view can offer a closer look at the personal aspects of the divorce or provide a broader societal context, showing how the event affects more than just the nuclear family.
Even in cases of divorce and blended families, research has shown that children and adolescents still hold a strong belief in the importance of marriage and family life. High school seniors, for instance, largely regard having a strong marriage and family as extremely important and believe in the likelihood of a lifelong marriage. This suggests that while divorce can have significant short-term impacts on children, it does not necessarily diminish their long-term aspirations for stable family lives.