The Automobile in John Updike's The Centaur

John Updike, in The Centaur, presents us with a realistic protagonist, George Caldwell, and a story where a '36 Buick plays an important role in portraying contemporary America. In his portrayal of a typical, but heroic, American, Updike effectively pursues his unique technique with the image of the automobile, resembling Caldwell in many ways. Through similes and personification, in addition to the element of the Greek myth, the car retains its significant position to the end of the novel. The old Buick has a shattered grille and needs a new battery. Like this, Caldwell needs some new energy to have confidence in his health and teaching. However, Caldwell never gives up his heroic way of life that his students love and respect. Caldwell's son, Peter, is another witness to his father's charity to the poor and commitment to the family as well as students. As an artist and narrator for the considerable portion of the novel, Peter vividly recreates three days worth of experiences with his father. In his remembrance of his childhood and teen years, Peter has a strong connection with the car. Furthermore, in the ambiguous ending of the novel, the car becomes a Greek mythical chariot for Caldwell (Chiron).