Rabbit, Run!

The way I see it there are several core themes that run through American literature. Most if not all good novels delve into one of these paths; the melting pot (convergence of cultures), the American Dream (usually unattainable), race issues, religion, violence and American rebels (either authors themselves or their works being banned, pushing the idea of freedom of speech). It is from my frustration with Rabbit, Run that I have been spending a lot of time thinking about the big scary label of “the American Novel” and its core themes. The problem with Rabbit, Run is that it reflects life too well. This is why I enjoy reading it yet am scared. I want to reject Updike’s vision of American life, however, I know that it is inevitably true. Ironically, this is how Rabbit feels. His childhood is spent like any other stereotypical American kid playing varsity sports. He was the golden child of his high school basketball team, he was going places, and he was filled of hope for the future. Then life happens, Rabbit gets married, has children, and realizes that the rest of his life is going to be spent in a cycle of work/eat/sleep. Rather than face this Sisyphusian pattern, he runs away to a prostitute with whom he develops a physical/emotional relationship, whom he eventually leaves as well, after learning that his future with her involves children and possible domestication. Rabbit problem is not exactly a lack of maturity, but rather he has been let down by the American Dream. We live in a culture that almost worships high school athletes, and we equate that success with success in life. Because of high school successes on the court, he feels he is entitled to have a successful life. When that does not happen, when he is confronted with a drunken wife and the tedious pattern of daily life, he rejects his life and starts searching for what he feels he is entitled. He does lack responsibility for his actions, but his searching for some sort of meaning to his life fuels his capriciousness. Updike claimed that this novel is written as a response to On the Road, to show the world what happens to the people whom once a boy goes on the road. In his attempts to discover himself, Rabbit leave a field of destroyed lives. Updike gives a realistic description of what sort of pain families go through because of going on the road.

Not that Rabbit is a horrible stereotypical dead-beat dad character, he is actually a nice guy, but he is a creature of circumstance, somehow American and society has let Rabbit down, he has fallen through the cracks. He obviously has talent, but he fails. Is this is own fault for failing or is it societies? How much of the American Dream/exceptionalism is bullshit and just a way to keep us unhappy yearning for more?

Truthfully, for the last week I have been struggling with Rabbit. It has shaken me and may have made me depressed. I do not know what to make of this novel. It has made me think more than any other, which is good, however, is this at the cost of losing my idea of the American Dream?

This book has left me confused and disorientated, which is good.