The environment surrounding a situation effects every decision made in that situation. How a person perceives these factors is, what in essence makes an individual unique. As a whole a society, by definition, shares many viewpoints. Webster's Unabridged Dictionary defines "art" as an expression of feeling. If one were to look at the artwork of certain time periods, they would note, general similarities. Therefore many pieces of art, of the same time period, will share many of the same elements. Examining these elements can enhance the awareness of events in history. 1960's there were many social actions to which attacked what was to be socially accepted in America. Along with many youth movement, there was a large movement for women's rights. As a result of this women's activisms movement, divorce became much more socially accepted. Therefore divorce was a topic of artwork. John Updike's short story "Separating" and the Fairfield Porter's painting "A Day Indoors" both contain a common theme of separation and separateness. (Lit Book 743)
             Updike finishes the story with the question, "why." This question causes one to think. Why is the family so complacent with the separation? Why is the son the only questioning? Porter's painting cause the observer to do the same. One might ask, why is the family sitting together, when they are so secluded. Why is the fireplace burning when it seem like a nice day out the window.
             One can see many characteristics of the John Updike in "Separating". He was married at a young age, like Richard, and also separated after twenty-one years similar to the Maples. Updike finally after a short separation received the first "no-fault" divorce instated in Massachusetts (Henning's) Similarly, one can see Fairfield Porter in his painting. Porter's family, he said in an interview,...