Escape, Chaos and Identity in John Updike’s Rabbit Redux

Name of Author : Sherin F. S

Abstract: This paper examines the interrelated themes of escape, chaos, and identity in John Updike’s Rabbit Redux. Set against the turbulent socio-political backdrop of 1960s America, the novel portrays the psychological and existential struggles of Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom. The study explores how Rabbit’s attempts to escape personal dissatisfaction lead him into moral and social chaos, ultimately destabilizing his sense of identity. By analyzing character development, narrative structure, and thematic elements, this paper argues that Updike presents chaos not merely as disorder but as a transformative force that challenges traditional identity constructs. The novel reflects broader cultural anxieties of the era, including racial tensions, countercultural movements, and the crisis of middle-class values.

Keywords : Escape, Chaos, Identity, Existential Crisis, Middle-Class Life, American Society

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