Reflection of Masculinity in John Updike'sRabbit, Run
Date
2013
Authors
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Publisher
Central Department of English
Abstract
The novel,Rabbit, Runpresents the male characters superior to female
characters in terms of physicality, intellectuality and sexuality due to their active and
built physique, rational thoughts, correct decisions and sexualpervasiveness along
with weak timid and parasitic women with lack of sense of responsibilities and
experiences in life. Alive to the mood of inner-directedness, Updike's Rabbit
considers himself as a person in the process of becoming. He realizes his
responsibilities towards his wife, son, parents and even parent-in-laws. The male
characters become successful to continue the masculine ethos set up by the traditional
masculinity. On the other hand the female characters hold the inferior position in the
areas of physicality, rationality and sexuality. All the males in the novel possess the
prestigious status in the society. They are all engaged in job whereas the females are
jobless and some of the women like Ruth and Margaret are found to be involved in
under rated jobs like prostitution. Since the protagonist continues the traditional
norms and values of masculinity, he is the masculine hero holding the social position
and priorities and the women being tender and docile are accepting male suppression
and oppression.
Description
Keywords
Masculinity, Gender Issues