The Country Husband

The story’s setting—where and when a narrative takes place—is post-WWII America and more specifically Shady Hill. Both the era and the locale are significant, but the latter almost functions as a character within the story and significantly impacts the characters’ behavior throughout. It is often described as a place with very rigid ideas of right and wrong, with Francis at one point thinking, “Things seemed arranged with more propriety even than in the Kingdom of Heaven” (43). Within the confines of the village, it is considered impolite, for example, to bring up difficult emotions or truths from the past. Additionally, Clayton describes it as a place “with no future” in which big dreams aren’t possible (46). Thus, the town seems to be a machine meant to perpetuate the present: a status quo of pleasant yet superficial interactions. It serves as an antagonist to Francis, who reckons with his buried memories and forbidden desires against this restrictive backdrop and is therefore key to the story’s exploration of Suburban Conformity and Disillusionment in Marriage.

The story incorporates various allusions—indirect references to other literary works or to well-known ideas, art, historical events, etc.—to add depth and resonance to the narrative. One notable historical allusion occurs when a man who was in the plane crash comments that the exodus of passengers to Philadelphia reminds him of the Marne. This references the Battle of Marne in 1914 during World War I, where Parisian taxis transported French infantry regiments to the battlefield. This is the first example of war looming large in the psyches of the characters.

The Carthaginian general Hannibal, famed for his invasion of Italy during the Second Punic War against Rome, is alluded to twice in the story. One instance is when a host at a dinner party compares his wife’s effect on him to Hannibal’s army crossing the Alps—a feat many believed impossible. This allusion highlights the powerful and invincible nature of Hannibal’s military campaign and reflects the host’s confidence and pride in his relationship. The final line of the story references the same event in its description of men in golden suits riding elephants over mountains; that Hannibal brought war elephants through the Alps made his achievement all the more impressive, so the image harkens to the possibility of aspirations far beyond the confines of suburban America.

Other classical allusions appear throughout the story, underscoring various characters’ traits and predicaments. The name of the dog, Jupiter, alludes to the ancient Roman god associated with social order; as the king of the Roman pantheon, Jupiter embodied government and law. However, the name is ironic, as the dog is a thief and rule breaker. The mythological figure of Laocoon appears on Francis’s work stationary. Laocoon was a Trojan priest who was killed along with his sons by snakes as a sign of divine disapproval. The reasons for his punishment vary according to the legend, but Cheever likely has in mind those that refer to a sexual transgression—either breaking an oath of chastity or having sex in a temple. This resonates with Francis’s contemplation of his feelings for Anne Murchison, hinting at the potential dangers and consequences of unbridled lust.