She stands by the edge of the bed, baggy in nakedness, and goes off into the bathroom to do her duty. There's that in women repels him: handle themselves like an old envelope. Tubes into tubes, wash away men's dirt-insulting, really. Faucets cry. The more awake he gets the more depressed he is. From deep in the pillow he stares at the horizontal strip of stained-glass church window that shows beneath the window shade. Its childish brightness comes from years away.
In this excerpt from John Updike's "Rabbit, Run," the protagonist observes a woman preparing herself in the bathroom. He feels a sense of repulsion at her routine, comparing her actions to that of an old envelope and perceiving it as an insult to him. This moment highlights his discomfort with intimacy and the mundane aspects of domestic life, suggesting a deeper emotional disconnect. The imagery of faucets crying emphasizes his feelings of melancholy and helplessness as he processes this situation.
As he remains in bed, his reflection deepens, and he becomes increasingly depressed. The stained-glass window he gazes at symbolizes a distant, almost childlike innocence, contrasting sharply with his current state of mind. This juxtaposition serves to underline his struggle with the realities of adult life and relationships, showcasing his desire for escape from both physical and emotional entrapment.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
