Meaning: This quote, "When I remember my family, I always remember their backs. They were always indignantly leaving places," by John Cheever, encapsulates a sense of displacement and disconnection within the family dynamic. John Cheever was an American novelist and short story writer known for his keen observations of suburban life and the complexities of human relationships. His work often delves into the struggles and conflicts that arise within familial and social contexts, and this quote is a poignant reflection of such themes.

In this quote, the emphasis on remembering the backs of family members rather than their faces evokes a sense of departure and separation. The image of family members "indignantly leaving places" suggests a recurring pattern of discontent or dissatisfaction, leading to their abrupt exits from various situations. This notion of leaving with indignation implies unresolved tensions and conflicts within the family unit, resulting in a pervasive feeling of unrest and unease.

Cheever's choice of words conveys a deep sense of emotional detachment and unresolved issues within the family. The use of "indignantly" suggests a strong feeling of righteous anger or resentment, indicating that these departures were not merely casual or unremarkable, but rather imbued with intense emotion and dissatisfaction. The repeated act of leaving, coupled with the implication of indignation, paints a picture of a family characterized by discord and dissatisfaction, unable to find a sense of belonging or peace in their surroundings.

The emphasis on the act of leaving also raises questions about the reasons behind these departures. What circumstances led the family to repeatedly leave places in such a manner? Were they fleeing from conflict, seeking a better life, or simply unable to find a sense of belonging? These questions highlight the complexities of familial relationships and the underlying tensions that can shape the dynamics within a family.

Furthermore, the act of remembering the backs of family members instead of their faces suggests a form of emotional distance and detachment. The inability to recall their faces implies a lack of intimacy or deep connection within the family, as if the speaker's memories are marked more by departures and separations than by moments of closeness and unity. This evokes a sense of loss and estrangement, where the family members remain elusive and distant in the speaker's recollections.

Overall, Cheever's quote captures a profound sense of dislocation and unresolved conflict within the family. The recurring theme of indignantly leaving places speaks to the underlying tensions and discontent that permeate the familial relationships, while the focus on remembering their backs underscores a sense of emotional detachment and estrangement. Through this quote, Cheever invites readers to contemplate the complexities of familial dynamics and the lasting impact of unresolved conflicts within the context of the family unit.