John Updike's "Rabbit, Run" captures the relentless passage of time through the metaphor of the sun and moon, which symbolizes the cyclical nature of life. The phrase reflects how these celestial bodies represent not only the progression of day and night but also the ups and downs experienced by the protagonist, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom. As Rabbit navigates his personal struggles, the imagery serves to highlight the inevitability of change and the fleeting nature of life's moments.
The juxtaposition of sunlight and moonlight emphasizes the dualities within Rabbit's life—between hope and despair, freedom and confinement. Updike's work intricately weaves these themes throughout the narrative, as Rabbit seeks meaning and fulfillment while grappling with the passage of time that continually shifts his reality. Through this exploration, readers are invited to reflect on their own lives and the transient nature of existence.