Children are often taught by their parents, but sometimes they must learn things on their own. When coming of age we learn many important lessons that are critical for a successful future. Sometimes the most significant learning experiences are traumatic and painful. In "The Lucid Eye in Silver Town" by John Updike, Jay August is an intellectual, but inexperienced individual that must overcome difficulties of frustration and disappointment to realize his childhood immaturity.
             The character of Jay August is developed throughout the story with dialogues that capture his psychological traits more frequently than his physical traits. During the story, Jay reveals his childhood naiveté repeatedly. By saying, "...I was sure that only stupid people took an interest in money" (Updike 490) he reveals that he has not yet learned that money is necessary in life. Throughout the story, he refers to objects with concern for aspiration and beauty, but does not realize that it takes wealth to obtain these objects. To him, New York is the silver town, "Shimmering buildings arrowed upward and glinted through the treetops...Towers of ambition rose, crystalline within me" (Updike 493). He does not realize that ambition and shimmer are associated with money and wealth. Jay shows naiveté again when his uncle pretentiously takes his father and him to the Pickernut Club, an adult lounge. He orders ice cream and is disappointed with the selection especially "when the cheap drugstore at home had fifteen flavors" (Updike 491). Jay does not realize that children do not normally attend the Pickernut Club. Jay comprehends towards the end of the story that he cannot get everything that he wants and that he is not as smart as he thinks he is. Throughout the story Jay's character grows and develops by going through significant learning experiences that are essential in life.
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