logo

32 pages 1 hour read

The Enormous Radio

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1947

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Literary Devices

Magical Realism

Magical Realism is a literary genre in which elements of the fantastical appear in an otherwise realistic narrative. The fantastical elements are typically woven into the story without explanation and set the stage for a social critique.

In “The Enormous Radio,” all elements of the story are quite realistic—including the setting, characters, and themes—except for the unusual radio Jim purchases. Cheever incorporates magical realism into the lives of an ordinary 1940s Manhattan couple to shed light on their own personal flaws and marital shortcomings. In the very first paragraph of the story, Cheever lets the reader know that the Westcotts are no different than their neighbors, with the exception of their love for classical music. This simply yet telling detail solidifies the idea that despite what we learn of the neighbors’ marital disputes, secrets, and financial woes as the story progresses, the Westcotts are no different. However, it takes the presence of the fantastical radio for the Westcotts to come to this realization. In the end, their quarrels and woes signify a latent unhappiness shared by all the Sutton Place tenants and humankind alike.

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
Unlock IconUnlock all 32 pages of this Study Guide

Plus, gain access to 8,650+ more expert-written Study Guides.

Including features:

+ Mobile App
+ Printable PDF
+ Literary AI Tools