How sad, how strange, we make companions out of air and hurt them, so they will defy us, completing creation

How sad, how strange, we make companions out of air and hurt them, so they will defy us, completing creation

John Updike was a master at exploring the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which we often unintentionally hurt those we care about. In his works, he delves into the intricacies of love, loss, and the fragility of human connections. The quote, “How sad, how strange, we make companions out of air and hurt them, so they will defy us, completing creation,” perfectly encapsulates the themes that Updike often explores in his writing.

Updike’s characters often find themselves in relationships that are fraught with tension and conflict. They struggle to connect with others, to truly understand and be understood. In their attempts to forge meaningful connections, they inadvertently hurt those they care about. This cycle of hurt and betrayal is a recurring theme in Updike’s work, as his characters grapple with the complexities of human emotions and the ways in which we often sabotage our own happiness.

The idea of making companions out of air speaks to the ephemeral nature of human relationships. We create these connections out of thin air, out of our own desires and needs, only to see them crumble and fall apart. We invest so much of ourselves in these relationships, only to watch them slip through our fingers. And in our attempts to hold on, we often end up pushing those we care about away.

The notion of hurting our companions so they will defy us is a particularly poignant one. Updike’s characters often find themselves caught in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, pushing away those they love in an attempt to test the strength of their connections. They hurt those they care about, hoping that they will fight back, that they will defy them and prove their love. But in the end, this only serves to further damage the fragile bonds that hold them together.