An Interpretation Of John Updike’s View On Women From His Rabbit Series

John Updike is a contemporary American realistic master. He creates a great dealof works such as novels, poems and dramas in his life time. His famous Rabbit novelsreflect many different aspects of American society after Second World War, andenable him to get many literary prizes in his lifetime.Researches on John Updike and his works at home and abroad mainly focus onreligion, sex depiction, artistic features and culture problem. While John Updikesuccessfully portrays the male character Rabbit in his Rabbit series, he has alsovividly depicted some representative female characters in his times and shows readershis exploration on women issues. However, systematic analysis about the femalecharacters and his understanding of the women issues is rare in the academic circle.This thesis focuses on his Rabbit series and tries to analyze the important femalecharacters that have close relationship with protagonist Harry Angstroms in light offeminism. It is intended to explore a proper way of life for woman. Through theanalysis, the thesis reveals that John Updike is against the new domesticity of womanin America after World War II and he actually supports women’s economicindependence. He believes this is the right way for women to get their dignity and theright of speech in the family. Meanwhile, he also eulogizes some traditional virtues ofwomen in the success of marriage and appeals to women not to use the prohibited wayto get their liberation. This study can help readers get a better understanding of JohnUpdike’s feministic ideas and enhance their appreciation of his great works Rabbitseries.