In this quote, John Cheever raises a thought-provoking question about the complexities of marital relationships. He contrasts the clear-cut issues of infidelity and cruelty, which have established paths and responses, with a more unconventional dilemma involving a partner's desire to perform in a revealing manner on stage. This scenario highlights the struggles one might face in a relationship when confronting personal choices that challenge societal norms or personal values.

Cheever's inquiry reflects the inner conflict that can arise when love and personal beliefs clash. It suggests that while some problems are straightforward, others, like the desire for self-expression in a provocative way, complicate the dynamics of love and loyalty. The quote encapsulates the tension between individual desire and the expectations of a committed partnership, prompting deeper reflection on the nature of love and compromise.