The Worm in the Apple, John Cheever: Summary & Analysis

John Cheever (1912-82) is renowned for his impactful contributions to American short fiction, capturing the complexities of suburban life in a unique and, at times, surreal manner. His anthology, Collected Stories , spans an impressive 900 pages and contains works that shift from realism to magical realism, often revealing hidden truths about American society. Summary of The Worm in the Apple Cheever’s short story ‘The Worm in the Apple’ focuses on the seemingly perfect Crutchman family, a suburban American household that the narrator scrutinizes to uncover any concealed flaws. The title hints at the desire to find hidden imperfections or the proverbial "worm in the apple" beneath their idyllic lifestyle. Through this satirical lens, Cheever critiques the 1950s American ideal of domestic bliss, suggesting a facade of perfection that often masked deeper issues. Setting and Characters: The story unfolds in the affluent suburban neighborhood of Shady Hill . The Crutchmans—Larr…