Vivacity in the Face of Tribulation Anonymous 11th Grade

Throughout the novel, The Centaur (1963) by John Updike, the theme of self-acceptance is prevalent. The protagonist, George Caldwell, who also symbolizes Chiron of Greek mythology, struggles to come to terms with his life as it is and always looks for what he cannot have. The novel narrates his journey from a man without direction to loving father and husband. Caldwell finds himself deciding his fate and pursuing his future through the lives of others in the text. He often looks in envy at the lives of others while he fails to grasp what he has around him. Furthermore, Caldwell’s understandings of the world progresses steadily for the duration of the novel; eventually finding peace within him, and in turn his environment. Updike intends to inform of the danger that lies in wishing to be that which you cannot through the development of Caldwell’s character over the course of the book. The message transmitted conveys that without this acquirement of self-approval happiness is unachievable. Caldwell’s relationship with Peter and his chronological development of peace of mind teach him that without accepting ones self, inner peace can never be achieved.

As a result of Caldwell’s unawareness at this stage in the text, he is unable...