The Enormous Radio

Magical Realism is a literary genre in which elements of the fantastical appear in an otherwise realistic narrative. The fantastical elements are typically woven into the story without explanation and set the stage for a social critique.

In “The Enormous Radio,” all elements of the story are quite realistic—including the setting, characters, and themes—except for the unusual radio Jim purchases. Cheever incorporates magical realism into the lives of an ordinary 1940s Manhattan couple to shed light on their own personal flaws and marital shortcomings. In the very first paragraph of the story, Cheever lets the reader know that the Westcotts are no different than their neighbors, with the exception of their love for classical music. This simply yet telling detail solidifies the idea that despite what we learn of the neighbors’ marital disputes, secrets, and financial woes as the story progresses, the Westcotts are no different. However, it takes the presence of the fantastical radio for the Westcotts to come to this realization. In the end, their quarrels and woes signify a latent unhappiness shared by all the Sutton Place tenants and humankind alike.