Quote by John Cheever
People named John and Mary never divorce. For better or for worse, in madness and in saneness, they seem bound together for eternity by their rudimentary nomenclature. They may loathe and despise one another, quarrel, weep, and commit mayhem, but they are not free to divorce. Tom, Dick, and Harry can go to Reno on a whim, but nothing short of death can separate John and Mary.
Summary
This quote suggests that people identified as John and Mary have a strong sense of commitment in their relationships. Symbolically, their chosen names create an eternal bond, even amidst turmoil. While other individuals like Tom, Dick, and Harry can easily divorce, John and Mary are bound by a subconscious association with their names and find it harder to separate. The quote humorously exemplifies the enduring nature of marriages where the partners struggle but ultimately remain together, emphasizing a sense of cultural and societal norms.
Topics
Divorce
By John Cheever