Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Due Respect" by John Updike utilizes a unique linguistic approach to delve into the dynamics of familial relationships within the context of urban teenage life, particularly focusing on the interaction between a teenage gang member and his mother. The poem, beginning with an epigraph from *The New York Times Magazine*, highlights the paradox of respectful attitudes toward parents—especially mothers—amid the rough exterior typically associated with gang members.

The poem opens with a playful, almost mocking tone as the speaker, a gang member, affectionately calls his mother "moo," a slang term derived from their street jargon. This intimate nickname, while colloquial, sets a tone of endearment and familiarity. The casual, altered language ("toge" instead of "together," "broo" instead of "brother," "faa" instead of "father") not only captures the distinct vernacular of the speaker but also reflects a deeper cultural and generational gap.

The dialogue that unfolds between the speaker and his mother is both tender and satirical. The speaker invites his mother to sit and engage in a conversation, a simple yet profound act that signifies his respect and need for connection with her. This interaction starkly contrasts with the external perception of gang members, suggesting a complexity to their characters often overlooked by society.

The content of their conversation—or the speaker's monologue—touches on existential themes: "Of whence we come and whii we go Most moos nee know nor care to know." Here, Updike plays with the idea that the fundamental questions of existence are often ignored or trivialized in daily life, especially so in the hustle of urban existence and its survival challenges. Yet, in this seemingly light-hearted banter, there's a glimpse into the speaker's deeper contemplations, masked by the playful language.

The poem also reveals the tension in their relationship through the speaker's observations of his mother's behavior: "You're always getting in a poo / Or working up a dreadful laa Over nothing—nothing. Bah!" These lines suggest that the mother perhaps often finds herself in stressful or problematic situations ("a poo"), or possibly overreacts to minor issues ("a dreadful laa"). The son's dismissive "Bah!" highlights a common adolescent response to parental concerns, encapsulating a mix of impatience and affection.

The conclusion of the poem, "Relax. You love me, I love you / And that's the way it shapes up, moo," encapsulates the core of their relationship—despite the external hardships and internal frictions, the fundamental bond of love remains unchanged. This assertion reaffirms not only the familial bond but also subtly challenges the reader’s possible stereotypes about gang members and their capacity for love and respect.

"Due Respect" thus serves as a clever and insightful commentary on the hidden depths of relationships in contexts that are often judged superficially. Updike's use of a distinctive linguistic style not only adds authenticity to the voice of the young speaker but also enhances the emotional impact, bridging the gap between the reader’s potential misconceptions and the reality of complex emotional ties in such family dynamics. The poem subtly urges a reevaluation of how respect and affection manifest in various social milieus, urging a deeper understanding and empathy toward those often marginalized in society.

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