“Marching Through a Novel” consists of a complex relationship between the novelist and characters. The characters obey the novelists every word, but there is still hesitation. Updike starts the poem with making us think what he says is the only thing the characters hear, but by the end, we start to think that maybe they don’t think that anymore.
The relationship in the poem develops over time. First we see that the characters would do anything to please the novelist. They have “instant obedience” according to the poem. They “greet me with misty faces, willing, though chilled, to muster for another day.” The relationship develops drastically in a short time. As the novelist says he can’t de enough for them, we start to see the disobedience.
The relationship in the poem develops over time. First we see that the characters would do anything to please the novelist. They have “instant obedience” according to the poem. They “greet me with misty faces, willing, though chilled, to muster for another day.” The relationship develops drastically in a short time. As the novelist says he can’t de enough for them, we start to see the disobedience.