Rabbit Angstrom: A Tetralogy by John Updike

Rabbit Angstrom: A Tetralogy by John Updike is a series of four novels that follow the life of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, a former basketball star from Pennsylvania, from the late 1950s to the early 2000s. Through the four books, Rabbit struggles to make sense of his life, as he deals with personal, familial, and societal pressures. In all, this tetralogy is an exploration of the changing nature and expectations of the American dream, and how one’s life can be shaped by those expectations.

The tetralogy begins with Rabbit, Run (1960), which is set in the late 1950s. The novel follows Rabbit as he flees from his wife, Janice, and their two children, Nelson and Lucy. Rabbit is unsatisfied with his life as a failed salesman and stifled father, so he abandons his family to start a new life. However, throughout the novel, Rabbit remains haunted by guilt and regret, and is unable to find true freedom. The novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the inability to escape one’s past.

Rabbit Redux (1971) takes place around the time of the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. Here, Rabbit's past catches up to him, as a young draft-dodger moves in with Rabbit and Janice. Along with his neighbor, Skeeter, Rabbit struggles to keep harmony at home and understand the events and changes occurring in American society. Rabbit Redux is an exploration of the personal and political upheaval of the era.

Rabbit is Rich (1981) follows Rabbit as he enjoys a life of relative comfort. He is now wealthy from running his own Toyota dealership and is content in his marriage to Janice. However, he is also troubled by his son, Nelson’s, financial and drug problems, as well as his own deepening unhappiness. Rabbit is Rich is a meditation on the nature of happiness, success, and discontent.

Lastly, Rabbit at Rest (1990) concludes the series by focusing on Rabbit's retirement. He is now retired and living in Florida with Janice, and he reflects on his life while also struggling to accept his slow physical and mental decline. Rabbit at Rest explores themes of aging, mortality, and coming to terms with one's life.

Taken as a whole, Rabbit Angstrom: A Tetralogy by John Updike is an exploration of the human experience and of the changing American landscape. Rabbit is a flawed protagonist, and Updike unflinchingly examines his life as well as the external events that shape it. By the end of the novels, Rabbit has experienced a full life—full of joy, sorrow, and growth. The tetralogy is truly a classic work of American literature, and is a must read.