Setting and Language

Revolutionary Road is set during the 1950's in a nice Connecticut suburb. Here, Frank and April live in a comfortable house and have two beautiful children. Their lives seem so perfect and this is largely because of where their lives take place. The very peaceful neighborhood that they live in is so dull and ordinary that it seems impossible to lead a scandalous or different life. I almost feel as if the neighborhood is a cult and every homeowner must conform to fit the cult's standards. But as you read further in the book, you find out that numerous scandals go on throughout the neighborhood, such as the story of Mrs. Givings and her mentally challenged son. And on a humorous note, the women discuss the drama while they pretend to be perfect housewives at book club or some other social gathering. I get this vivid picture in my head of two hypocritical women, sipping wine in their living rooms and gossiping over the latest rumors, while they are guilty of even worse sins and will soon be the latest scandal. The neighborhood's whole mirage of perfection is symbolic of the lives of Frank and April. To any outsider, they seem beautiful, happy, and lovely; but to any insider, there is an unexplainable darkness and desire for a better life.
To go along with the seemingly ordinary lives of Frank and April, Richard Yates speaks in a very ordinary tone and does not try to make his writing too frivolous. The language is straight-to-the-point and simple. Once again, I feel like Yates makes it a priority to symbolize the Wheeler's life in the language and setting. Also, when Frank and April get into fights, the novel's tone and pace abruptly changes. Sentences become shorter and more frank, while words become harsher and more cut-throat. I find it fascinating how Yates adjusts the entire novel's tone and pace to the temporary emotions of the characters.