| Summary: | 碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 外國語文學系研究所 === 87 === This thesis puts forward the argument that John Updike depicts a dissolving (postmodern) in Rabbit at Rest. This dissolving world is examined from several angles. This thesis does not claim a unitary approach. Its approach is fairly eclectic, drawing upon concepts developed by Baudrillard, Debord, Jameson, and McLuhan to assist with the analysis.
The first chapter, drawing on Baudrillard’s consumption theories, examines some aspects associated with consumer culture. In the midst of consumer culture, Harry has a growing sense of solitude because he feels alienated from the material world and other human beings. What he has cherished in life are perhaps mere fads created by the capitalist system. In such a society, everything--the body, affection, human relations, values, and religion--tends to be commodified. Since they are commodified, they are susceptible to time. Harry’s faith in consumerism is shattered overnight.
The second chapter explores the predominance of technology/media culture. Harry is now living in society of the spectacle, which is also characterized by a new form of depthless culture. Besides, a process of simulation has permeated every aspect of Harry’s existence. Harry is living in a hyperreal world, and his apprehension of reality crumbles.
The third chapter draws on the Kafkaesque metaphor to assist with the investigation into Harry’s predicament. Harry undergoes a metamorphosis of his body from Eros to Thanatos. During the transformative process, he loses some of his self-affirming features. His vitality, masculinity, and personal identity dissolve. His previous notions of national identity and American history are also tottering.
The whole thesis ends in Conclusion with a brief reflection on Harry's final reconciliation with the world.
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