Seeking Balance Between The Sacred And The Secular

John Updike(1932-2009)is one of the most versatile and prolific writers in the 20th century in the U.S.. His writing covers an extensive range of novels, short stories, poems, essays and literary critiques. He is good at depicting the daily life of middle class, presenting the condition of their existence in secular life. His most well-known works, Rabbit Series, truly and deeply reflect the pessimism and confusion of 20th century American. These four novels represent us a panorama of American social change and development on value.Though he is usually regarded as a writer of middle class daily life, his deep concern, with religious matters in his writing, distinguishes him from other writers of his time. Updike is a Christian. His literary works are greatly influenced by his religion experience as well as his comprehension of theology. Many of his works show the pictures of contemporary American confusion and quest for the spiritual faith. They are also an embodiment of Updike's unceasing exploration of human's faith. His religious view maintains that people should be faithful, which is the premise of self- redemption. Faith is important to save people from spiritual crisis, while religious fanaticism may cause catastrophes to the world. Therefore, people should keep balance between sacred faith and secular life. Studies on Updike's religious views are mainly about his novels, seldom concern with his short stories. However Updike has always been regarded as a master of short stories which compose an important part of his literary creation. Thus this thesis intends to discuss Updike's religious views seen from his short stories.The main body of the thesis consists of four parts. The first chapter focuses on the theological, historical and cultural background of Updike's short stories. The second chapter explores the development of Updike's religious views by analyzing"The Lovely Troubled Daughters of Our Old Crowd","Trust Me"and"My Father's Tears". The third chapter intends to analyze another unique religious view of Updike by analyzing different religion experiences of Dan and Mohamed that faith can save people from spiritual crisis, while religious fanaticism may cause catastrophes to the world. The fourth chapter illustrates antagonism and integration of the sacred and the secular in Updike's"Pigeon Feathers"and"Made in Heaven", discussing how to pursue a balanced relationship between the two.In Conclusion, the thesis stresses the importance of Updike's religious views in his writings. In 20th century when the United States develop very fast, people are confused and disillusioned upon the rational request of science and technology. Updike's short stories with his deep religious concerns and reflections might offer a kind of guidance for people's spiritual odysseys.