The Five-Forty-Eight
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2009
Short Story • Fiction
•
EducationNew York City • 1950s
•
World History2009
Adult
18+ years
In "The Five-Forty-Eight" by John Cheever, a man named Blake encounters his former employee on a train. The story explores themes of power, alienation, and vulnerability as Blake is confronted with past actions and their consequences.
Suspenseful
Mysterious
Dark
Unnerving
Melancholic
175 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John Cheever’s The Five-Forty-Eight is praised for its psychological depth and intricate character portrayal. Critics commend its exploration of power dynamics and redemption, yet some find the story’s pace uneven. The narrative’s tension and Cheever’s sharp prose effectively engage readers, offering a compelling dissection of human vulnerability and flawed relationships.
A reader who appreciates The Five-Forty-Eight by John Cheever likely enjoys character-driven narratives and psychological drama, akin to fans of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, focusing on inner turmoil and societal critiques.
175 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Short Story • Fiction
•
EducationNew York City • 1950s
•
World History2009
Adult
18+ years
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