In John Updike's "Rabbit, Run," the protagonist, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, experiences a profound sense of disconnection from the world around him. As he navigates through life, he realizes that those he encounters either neglect his presence or are entirely oblivious to his existence. This feeling of being forgotten or unacknowledged becomes a central theme, highlighting his struggles for identity and meaning.
The quote, "They've not forgotten him: worse, they never heard of him," encapsulates Rabbit's deep isolation. It emphasizes that being overlooked can be more painful than being remembered negatively. The impact of this sentiment resonates throughout the book, illustrating Rabbit's internal conflicts and his desperate quest for validation in a society that seems indifferent to his existence.