Analysis Of Marching Through A Novel By John Updike

In “Marching through a Novel,” John Updike, conveys a complex relationship between the novelist and characters, by representing the author as a god-like figure whose characters are like his soldiers ready to take action upon his command. John Updike successfully portrays this characterization through his use of metaphors, diction, and imagery.
Throughout the poem Updike relies on the use of vivid imagery to clearly allude to the complex relationship that he’s attempting to highlight between the novelist and his characters. His use of diction, such as “trench warfare,” “unraveling bandages,” and “a harsh taskmaster” result in producing a very gloomy imagery for the reader which results in the poem developing a very dark and negative mood which

allows for the reader to experience the sense of helplessness the novelist is experiencing. Throughout the poem the speaker of the poem is sharing the conflict he’s facing of whether or not to help his own characters who are struggling. The novelist is aware that the characters are his own soldiers and will obey him through any circumstances like the ones he mentioned in the poem but he is debating whether or not he really should help them out.
Along with using diction to create vivid imagery, Updike also uses several metaphors which go hand in hand with the imagery he’s attempting to create.

Throughout the poem the extended metaphor can be seen. The speaker is comparing the characters that are in the novel to the fallen soldiers and to those helpless men who have lost in the war which they were fighting. The speaker says, “and some fall forgotten” to remember those who have unfortunately lost and “trench work” to imply the military and war setting that’s taking place. The characters the author is trying to create are soldiers who are simply looking up to the novelist for further instructions all the while the novelist is conflicted and is having trouble writing and giving them the instructions that they need. The characters view the novelist like a god-type figure. This shows how the novelist is under so much pressure. This also helps highlight the difficult process that the novelist is going through to which the speaker is also sympathizing with. The pressure that he needs to give his best to his characters and make them to the best of his capability but still being realistic and giving those flaws is really a hard task for the novelist. He is having trouble balancing

it.
The poem highlights the frustration of the process of captivating characters from one’s mind and forming them on paper in a way that will do justice to not only to the characters but to the story is the hardest task. The repetition of “Forward” emphasizes the author’s struggle but also highlights how he is continuing on this journey despite of all the obstacles that are in his way.