Sleep this night is not a dark haunted domain the mind must consciously set itself to invade, but a cave inside himself, into which he shrinks while the claws of the bear rattle like rain outside. Sunshine
In John Updike's "Rabbit, Run," the concept of sleep is depicted as an internal sanctuary rather than a perilous journey through dark, unsettling thoughts. Instead of confronting nightmares, the character retreats into a personal space, representing a form of escape from the chaos surrounding him. The external world, with its dangers symbolized by a bear, is kept at bay as he seeks solace within himself.
This portrayal highlights a struggle between the security of inner peace and the threats from one's environment. Sleep becomes a metaphor for self-protection, emphasizing the importance of creating a mental refuge amid life's challenges. Overall, Updike captures the complexity of human consciousness and the need to find comfort within, even when faced with external turmoil.
