Reading Notes on The Easter Parade by Richard Yates
A collection of notes and observations reflecting on the themes, character parallels, and symbolism in Richard Yates' novel.
This is not an essay on the Richard Yates story, The Easter Parade, nor an orderly in-depth analysis of the work. It is a collection of notes and observations from my reading for both my memory and to share with others who are interested in the work. There are spoilers but I assume most who would read this are reflecting on their reading of the work. I am not a literature professor or professional but an avid reader who appreciates the symbolism and complexities of good writing and I’m sure I have missed many important elements and probably gotten some things wrong.
- Andrew & Emily: Andrew’s rant at the end of part 1 and Emily’s rant at the end of the story are worth reading together when reviewing the work.
- Mother & Daughter Parallels: Emily and Pookie were more similar than Emily would appreciate. Pookie moved around to different houses, Emily among men.
- Perception vs. Reality: Sarah and Eric praised Emily’s independence and strength but ultimately she felt weak, lonely, having learned nothing from her years.
- Parallels of Demise: Don’t miss the parallel of the demise of Great Hedges with the demise of Gregory and his wife then Sarah and Tony.
- The Men in Emily’s Life: Simple minded but virile sailor, intellectual but impotent husband (parallel Emily who is ultimately impotent—powerless—in life?). Does Tony become the last failed relationship as he drives Sarah to death and her youthful illusions about him are dashed?
- Cycle of Dysfunction: Did Eric really break the cycle, seeing the dysfunction in his family and finding answers in God’s path or does he have a dark secret that would be a continuation of this story?
- Absence of True Love: Is the ultimate lesson the absence of true love and its deteriorating effect on the individual and the family? Settling for something less allows abuse, uncommitted unsatisfying relationships, and obligation-based familial relationships. Pookie, Sarah, and Emily are connected but seem less invested in one another as time passes.
- Facade of Ambition: The main characters achieve less than their ambitions but present a facade of being better off and more grounded. When the moment of truth comes, they fall apart.
- The Role of Alcohol: The central role of drinking. Does Emily’s drinking become less sophisticated as her life begins to collapse?