In "Rabbit Redux" by John Updike, the protagonist grapples with the idea that personal growth often involves a sense of betrayal. This realization highlights that evolving or moving forward in life requires one to abandon certain aspects of their past. The transformation is not without sacrifice, as leaving behind familiar spaces and relationships can create a feeling of guilt or treachery.

This notion of growth as a form of betrayal suggests that meaningful change comes with difficult choices. The character's journey illustrates the inherent tension between the desire to progress and the emotional weight of departing from one's former self or environment. Ultimately, the path to maturity is marked by these complex, sometimes painful transitions.