Brother Grasshopper

John Updike's story, Brother Grasshopper, is very well written.  It is interesting to me to see the relationship between Fred and his wife Betsy with Germaine and her husband Carlyle.  The two married couples spend much of their time together and originally it all starts out well.  In almost a cliché manner, Fred starts to fall in love with another woman.  It's odd because he seemed to be so in love with Betsy, but then his mood changes.  Despite his new love, he decided to stay with Betsy, though he was never as passionate.  It is strange yet understandable for him to confess this to his brother-in-law.  Obviously, he would want to talk to someone about it, but it is strange, to an extent, for him to confide in his brother-in-law.  Sadly enough, the happy couples both divorce, Fred and Betsy as well as Germaine and Carlyle.  After Carlyle's death, the others are united one last time for the scattering of Carlyle's ashes.  It's a sad yet redemptive ending.  I really liked this story!