The “Idea of America in Select Novels of John Updike,” a Ph.D. thesis by Tehreem Zehra (Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India) published in 2014, is available to read online courtesy of Shodhganga: a reservoir of Indian theses.

“What Hawthorne did for American Puritanism was further carried out by Updike in his literary career through 20th century America,” Zehra writes. “Beginning with Rabbit series which make up the backbone of his literary outburst, he seldom eulogizes the American spirit of adultery, selfishness, capitalism, consumerism, and wavering faith. He puts his heart and soul to reform the deteriorating self and values of his nation.”

Here is the link to the full paper, downloadable in 18 front matter, chapter, and bibliography files.