Revenge
In a straightforward sense, "The Five-Forty-Eight" is a classic story of revenge. And yet both characters are tragic, pathetic outsiders. Another issue with the revenge story is the lack of a moral lesson or finality at the end. Miss Dent simply forgets about the whole thing, and Blake walks home to his still broken family life. If neither character is changed, is it still a story of revenge?
Sex and Misogyny
Sex and gender is another common theme in Cheever's work. In "The Five-Forty-Eight," the protagonist, Blake, does not hold women in high regard. He is attracted to women who are low in self-esteem because it protects him, and he loved his wife only for her attractive appearance, which has since disappeared with age. In addition, he commits a blatant act of sexual harassment in the workplace, years before it was made unlawful. He sleeps with Miss Dent, his secretary, and then immediately fires her from her job to protect himself from consequences. This is the act that precipitates Miss Dent's pursuit of revenge.
Social Expectations
The weight of social expectations is a prominent theme throughout Cheever's work. In "The Five-Forty-Eight," Blake is driven by the rules of society. His callous behavior towards Miss Dent and Louise does not bother him because he considers it within his social prerogative. He dresses carefully, in accordance with what he considers the laws of respectability. He even holds others in contempt when they fail to do. Yet the force of these social pressures do not result in happiness for Blake. Instead, they justify his morally corrupt behavior, and prop up an empty and soulless life.