Rabbit Redux by John Updike is a complex story about life in the tumultuous 1960s. The novel focuses on Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom, an ambitious yet flawed man struggling to balance his responsibilities and desires with changes to the nation’s social and political landscape. In a world of uncertainty, Rabbit grapples with his opinion of new ideas while confronted with the unrest and public outcries against the Vietnam War.
In Rabbit Redux, Harry Angstrom is nearing middle age and living in a small town in Pennsylvania. His wife, Janice, has left him, taking their 13-year-old son, Nelson, with her to California. Since she’s gone, Rabbit has been aimlessly wandering around town, feeling the effects of a mid-life crisis.
Rabbit soon begins a relationship with the young, impulsive widow Jill Joyce, who moves in with him and her son from a previous relationship, Todd. Jill and Todd represent the upcoming generations, embracing the changes of the decade and do not fully understand the consequences of their actions which bother Rabbit.
Rabbit also becomes involved with Skeeter, an African American Vietnam veteran living with his family in a slum neighborhood. Skeeter is a passionate protester against the Vietnam War but just as passionate about a drug ring he’s involved in. When Skeeter is arrested, Rabbit bonds with the young man and employs him at his car dealership.
Rabbit is deeply harmed by Janice’s departure and lashes out with violence. Even in grief, his ambition remains firmly intact, as he tries to make sense of the world and make a living in it. As the protests against the Vietnam War escalate, Rabbit joins in and rallies with other citizens, stating his views on the war.
Simultaneously, Rabbit’s son, Nelson, begins to develop a relationship with Ruth Leonard, a woman ten years Rabbit’s senior. Rabbit is shocked at the idea of his young son with an older woman and he disapproves of their relationship. Nelson, of course, disregards Rabbit’s opinions and begins to build a bond with Ruth.
Rabbit’s conflicting views on new ideas and society become a source of contention between himself and Jill, as his tolerance for change is less than supportive. However, as the novel progresses, Rabbit’s opinion begins to evolve, as does his attitude towards those around him. In the end, even though his ideals are the same, he becomes more understanding, patient, and accepting of other people’s opinions.
Rabbit Redux is an in-depth and personal novel, exploring the life of a character in transition and the implications and realities of the tumultuous 1960s. Updike paints a vivid picture of the turbulence of America during that time, sprinkled with his signature humor and astute character observations. In the end, Rabbit is still aimlessly adrift in his middle-aged state and the story ends with him confronted with a decision of whether to accept the changing times or stay put in the past.
