Date of Award
1991
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
October 2026
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Coyle, William
Abstract
Sarah Price Worth is a hero in mythical and psychological terms. Her growth can be traced through her name changes within the novel: Sarah Price Worth/Kundalini/Rare Sarah. She leaves the Judeo-Christian belief system and enters an Eastern system in an ashram where yoga is practiced. Sarah's progress can be seen in terms of the stages of the heroic quest and archetypal imagery--in particular, the snake. The novel's action suggests a parallel between chakra ascension and psychological growth in Jungian terms. Updike's "yes, but" tendency is at work in this novel: Yes, Sarah Price Worth is a bitch. But she is, nonetheless, a hero. As Sarah Price Worth and Kundalini, she has allowed men to be her gods, but Rare Sarah finds her own way. Through her earnest seeking, she succeeds in her quest.
Extent
71 p.
Recommended Citation
Hilton, Bonita Clarice, "Worth the price: Sarah as hero in John Updike's "S."" (1991). Electronic Theses and Dissertations 1990 - 1999. 253.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general_4/253
Identifier
FADT14766
Comments
Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Thesis (M.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, 1991.|Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters