Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Mr. High-mind" by John Updike is a reflective and contemplative poem that delves into the complex interplay of intellect, morality, and societal judgment. The poem is structured as a single stanza, utilizing a flowing, narrative style that aligns with the philosophical themes it explores. Updike’s use of a formal, slightly archaic diction elevates the subject matter, emphasizing the gravity and historical continuity of the themes of judgment and morality.

The poem opens with an allusion to "The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan, specifically referencing a jury of characters with vice-laden names like Mr. Blindman, Mr. No-good, and Mr. Malice. This sets a tone of moral and ethical decay, presenting a scene where the protagonist, Mr. High-mind, is part of but distinct from a group characterized by their moral shortcomings. The immediate introduction of these characters establishes a stark moral contrast, framing Mr. High-mind’s intellectual and ethical superiority.

As the narrative progresses, the focus shifts to Mr. High-mind himself. He is depicted as physically and mentally separating himself from the others, which is visually represented by his act of washing his hands in a basin. This gesture is symbolic, echoing the biblical Pontius Pilate’s act of washing his hands to signify his attempt to absolve himself of responsibility in the judgment of Jesus. However, for Mr. High-mind, the act of washing his hands also signifies his disdain for and desire to remain uncontaminated by the "squalid suds of other minds." This image powerfully captures his perception of his own thoughts as "white, proportioned" and untainted compared to those of his peers.

The poem intensifies as Mr. High-mind's mind metaphorically "takes wing," distancing itself from earthly concerns and mundane moral dilemmas. He rises to a metaphysical "sphere" where philosophical issues are viewed in a "remorseless light." This ascent signifies his pursuit of pure reason and truth, unimpeded by human emotions or biases. The "banana-shaped, vanilla void" symbolizes an abstract, idealized realm where true wisdom can be accessed, far removed from the messy realities of human existence.

In this ideal realm, Updike introduces imagery of "priests in tweeds" who worship at the feet of fact, suggesting a scientific or rationalist approach to understanding the world. This scene parodies religious devotion, replacing it with the devotion to empirical understanding and rational thought. The reference to the "notion of the Good" being seen as "vulgar" and "crude" from this high vantage point criticizes the oversimplification or dismissal of traditional moral values in the face of high-minded intellectualism.

The closing lines of the poem bring Mr. High-mind back to Earth, grounding him in the reality of human society, which is described as "a massy tribe" incapable of possessing a "wide and neutral eye." This descent reflects his realization that despite his intellectual prowess and ethical rigidity, the judgments he makes are inevitably intertwined with those of the broader human community. His sigh as he casts his "well-weighed verdict" conveys a sense of resignation and perhaps a hint of disillusionment, as he recognizes that his decisions are not as removed from those of his peers as he might wish.

Overall, "Mr. High-mind" is a complex exploration of the tensions between intellectual elitism, moral judgment, and the inevitable social nature of human existence. Updike critiques the isolation that can accompany excessive intellectualism, suggesting that true understanding and judgment must engage with, rather than withdraw from, the messy realities of human life. The poem’s rich imagery and philosophical depth offer a profound commentary on the nature of wisdom and morality in a complex, interconnected world.

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