Theme of Rabbit is Rich

In John Updike's Rabbit is Rich, Updike's protagonist Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom has achieved financial security as the owner of a Toyota dealership. Indeed, Harry appears to be enjoying the good life, and he believes himself as happy and fulfilled. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes obvious that the life that Harry believes he has built for himself is truly an illusion. His family situation, as well as his unresolved feelings for a former lover, provide complications that force Harry to realize he has not come as far as he once thought. Thus, while Harry may have finally attained material possessions, enjoying a country club membership and trips to the Caribbean, he lacks a certain inner peace. In many ways, his life is hollow, as he is dissatisfied with the trappings of his middle class, suburban existence. In this sense, Rabbit cannot be considered truly rich.

On the surface, Harry appears to enjoy quite a prosperous, carefree life. He has achieved a certain degree of success in his career, as he owns a profitable Toyota dealership. Indeed, his position fills him with a sense of pride, and Harry feels himself to be "athe star and spearpoint of all these two dozen employees and hundred thousand square feet of working spacea" (Updike 8). Furthermore, his business allows him to attain all the trappings of suburban bliss, namely a comfortable home, a wealthy wife, and membership at the local country club. Within his marriage, Harry is able to enjoy

Related Essays

John Updike .... in recent novels such as Rabbit Is Rich and Bech Is Back, but it was already central to Rabbit, Run, which .... Each has as a frequent theme the consideration of .... (1746 7 )

Proposed Thematic Literature Unit .... Includes "rabbit mythology." Anderson, Poul. .... Examines the alternative world theme in a very original way. .... generations, and dark advisors in his rich story of a .... (1959 8 )

Wittgenstein analysis of Nabokov's Lolita .... to the German word hase, which means "rabbit." Analysis of .... Regarding this theme, Appel notes that "HH cherishes his .... a serpentine stream, and the rich, ore-like .... (8693 35 )

Throne of Blood Akira Kurosawa's film Throne of Bl .... reads the play, for Shakespeare is rich in meaning .... the Noh drama and the underlying theme of imprisonment .... more innocent banner features a rabbit: "Things are .... (10788 43 )

Woody Allen .... this power, however, meant striking it rich on an .... sweater, horn-rimmed glasses and scared rabbit look .... Annie Hall deals with the Jewish theme throughout whereas .... (3739 15 )

Category: Literature - T