ents in American literature EVER. So, what is "Rabbit, Run" about? In terms of themes, we've got a huge amount of material here (this is one big, meaty "rabbit" of a book!). Life, death and sex -- in fact, lots of sex ("Rabbit" is certainly an appropriate nickname in this context!!). Courage to face life (and marriage, children) vs. giving in to "rabbit-like" fear. Commitment/responsibility vs. freedom/running away. Religion vs. true faith (and what, if anything, such true faith might consist of). Sin vs. redemption. The fate of an individual attempting to find meaning and identity while fitting in (or not) to a stultifying, stifling, conformistic society (and ones' particular place/role in it). The romantic fantasy of busting loose, hitting the road, and finding a better place. (Personal note: as a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, I was strongly reminded in "Rabbit, Run" of "Born to Run," "Darkness on the Edge of Town," etc. with their many similar themes). Physical perfection/athletic achievement as potential sources of meaning, especially when you're past your "prime" ("Rabbit" was a high school basketball star, but now mainly relives his fading "glory days," as Springsteen would say). Growing up vs. remaining an eternal youth. Order vs. chaos. And, ultimately, the difficult balancing act between ones' quest for PERSONAL happiness and fulfillment vs. the needs of family, friends, employers, society. And much more. Is this book, as some reviewers here have stated, "depressing?" Well, actually, I'd have to say yes. For one thing, Updike presents no definitive answers to all the important, dark, disturbing questions he raises here (nor could he, nor, as an artist, SHOULD he, in my opinion!). Meanwhile, almost everything his main character (Rabbit) touches somehow turns out wrongly, or tragically (the misery and alcoholism of his wife, leading to the book's climactic tragedy, being the greatest example). Plus, the setting of "Rabbit, Run" is ...
