SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CRISIS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 1970’S IN THE USA AND EROTISM IN THE NOVEL “RABBIT IS RICH” BY JOHN UPDIKE

Abstract

The theme of social and economic crisis and the depiction of erotic images and episodes in the novel “Rabbit is Rich” by John Updike are researched in this article. Social and historical background and eroticism are present in many Updike’s works but in his novel “Rabbit is Rich” sexual images and episodes are drawn with a special emphasis if to compare it with the other Rabbit series novels. This phenomenon is caused by the main character’s increasing spiritual alienation which is caused in its turn by Rabbit’s acquisition of his new ideal – material wealth. The new ideal also becomes the cause for the main character’s interest in the social, economic and political life of the USA. In the period of social and economic crisis this interest becomes the cause for Rabbit’s social alienation. The theme of social and economic crisis and the depiction of erotic images interact and present the character who is obsessed with the feeling of alienation towards his family, friends, work, and country.