A Feminist Reading of Updikes Rabbit, Run Essay -- Feminism Feminist

A Feminist Reading of das, Run I do not like Harry Rabbit Angstrom. This creation of prank Updike, this man who abandons his pregnant wife and young child, and his alliance to the late 1950s feeling of unrest and rebellion makes me angry. Many times throughout this clean my cheeks flushed furiously and I could not contain my exasperated sighs. When I read the last sentences of Rabbit, Run and closed the book, I was disappointed. It was not because Updike fails to make it clear where or to whom Rabbit runs (home to his wife? back to the prostitute?). Surprisingly, I was most disappointed because the novel had come to an end. Although my reaction to Rabbit was negative, it was a very strong reaction I had become emotionally involved. Because Updike created this anti-heroic but fascinating main character, I was absorbed into his world. I do not like Harry Rabbit Angstrom, but because Updikes writerly skill, I understand him. And, by understanding him, I am able to realize the impo rtance his place is among the most influential (particularly American) literary characters. Part of the reason that Updikes novel (and the subsequent three Rabbit novels to follow) has become such an essential piece of literature in the American tradition is Rabbit himself. Although he is not likeable, in that location are various important aspects and depths to the character of Harry Angstrom that cannot be overlooked. Some critics choose to look at the surface and explore Rabbits nature comparatively with rabbits (the animal). There are many instances when we do see Rabbit acting much like his namesake. For example when he visits his parents home Updike describes this in very rabbit-like hurt Rabbit stealthily approaches hi... ...h him for anything. Works Cited Detweiler, Robert. John Updike. Indianapolis Indiana University, 1984. 33-45. Kielland-Lund, Erik. The Americanness of Rabbit, Run A Transatlantic View. New Essays on Rabbit, Run. Ed. Stanley Trachtenberg. Cambridg e Cambridge University Press, 1993. 77-94. OConnell, Mary. Updike and the Patriarchal Dilemma. Carbondale, IL Southern Illinois University Press, 1996. 13-36. Pinsker, Sanford. disquietude in the 1950s What Made Rabbit Run? New Essays on Rabbit, Run. Ed. Stanley Trachtenberg. Cambridge Cambridge University Press, 1993. 53-76. Stevick, Philip. The Full Range of Updikes Prose. New Essays on Rabbit, Run. Ed. Stanley Trachtenberg. Cambridge Cambridge University Press, 1993. 31-52. Updike, John. Rabbit, Run. New York Alfred A. Knopf, 1960.