Joyce Carol Oates on a New Jersey Adventure
Briefly

"The Frenzy" narrates the weekend escapades of a middle-aged man, Cassidy, and his teenage mistress in Cape May, New Jersey. The juxtaposition of the serene seaside setting with Cassidy's internal turmoil serves as a critical backdrop for exploring themes of infidelity, desperation, and the human capacity for self-deception. Inspired by a past vivid fishing experience, the narrative navigates Cassidy's fleeting hope for revitalization, revealing his cynicism and darker undertones. The story ultimately provides a lens into the complexities of human relationships, twisted intentions, and the unexpected twists of fate that lead to humbling realizations.
The emotion of the feeding frenzy I encountered years ago from a boat now resonates with the chaos in Cassidy's life and his fleeting encounters in Cape May.
In 'The Frenzy,' the familiar landscape of suburban New Jersey contrasts with Cassidy's inner turmoil and pursuit of an illusory redemption.
The story delves into Cassidy's psyche, capturing his complexities: a philandering husband with a yearning for meaning, juxtaposed with hints of possible malevolence.
Cape May serves not only as a picturesque backdrop but also as a symbolic space for character exploration, reflecting Cassidy's internal struggles and moral dilemmas.
Read at The New Yorker
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