Reflection of Masculinity in John Updike'sRabbit, Run

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.