Melodramatic Political Discourse in John Updike's Terrorist
Abstract
This article explores John Updike's Terrorist (2006) through the lens of the rhetoric of victimhood and the dynamics of melodramatic political discourse. Melodramatic political discourse frames politics within a moral economy that portrays the nation-state as the innocent victim of malevolent acts. This framework equates national suffering with virtue, attributes evil to adversaries, and casts acts of war and global dominance as demonstrations of heroism and moral righteousness. The analysis is conducted through a close textual examination, organised into two key constructs: "Victims," which examines the portrayal of American characters as potential victims and the implications of their victimisation, and "Aggressors," which investigates the representation of terrorists and their oppositional stance toward Americans. The study argues that the novel employs a melodramatic political discourse, emphasising the vulnerability of Americans and the malignancy of violence inflicted upon them. This narrative not only validates but also promotes a retaliatory response, including military action, as a means of safeguarding American lives.
Keywords: American novel; John Updike; melodramatic political discourse; victimhood; 9/11
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17576/3L-2025-3102-08
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