In John Updike's "The Witches of Eastwick," the author highlights a stark contrast between men and women, particularly in how they experience and express their physicality. Men are depicted as direct and powerful, effortlessly commanding their surroundings, which is symbolized through the imagery of a "thunderous splashing." This portrayal emphasizes a sense of confidence and unavoidable presence that is associated with masculinity.

In contrast, women's bodies are described as complex and convoluted, suggesting a struggle for expression and clarity. The metaphor of a maze serves to illustrate the intricacies that women navigate, highlighting how societal expectations and personal experiences may complicate their lives. Overall, Updike explores themes of gender differences in identity and expression, contrasting the simplicity of male power with the complexity of female existence.