Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Amish" by John Updike offers a sardonic and somewhat stereotypical glimpse into the life and beliefs of the Amish community. Through sharp, witty verses, Updike explores the juxtaposition between modern American life and the traditional ways of the Amish, highlighting their resistance to modern technology and their adherence to a simpler, seemingly outdated lifestyle.

The poem opens with a somewhat controversial description of the Amish as "a surly sect," immediately setting a tone of critical observation. Updike uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the community: their "bulging barns" are decorated with "hex designs," which are traditional symbols meant to ward off evil spirits or bring good luck. This decoration, coupled with their use of a German dialect and their insular practices such as inbreeding and a casual approach to sex, are presented in a way that both mystifies and criticizes.

Updike lists the things the Amish eschew, including "buttons, tea, life insurance, cigarettes," and more, suggesting their broad rejection of modern conveniences and vices. This enumeration not only emphasizes their separateness but also hints at a broader critique of modern materialism and complexity, perhaps pointing out what they see as superficial or morally questionable in contemporary society.

The poet then moves to the physical movement of the Amish, "bob[bing] behind a buggied horse," a line that rhythmically captures the clopping of horse hooves from one quaintly named Pennsylvania town to another—each name evoking an almost storybook simplicity and purity. This travel by horse-drawn buggy symbolizes their broader journey through life: slow, deliberate, and closely tied to the rhythms of nature rather than the haste of modern machinery.

The belief that "the Devil drives a car" is particularly telling of the Amish worldview as depicted by Updike. This line metaphorically captures the community's rejection of modern technology, which they see as inherently corrupt or corrupting. Updike’s use of "Devil" and "Jehovah" not only underscores the religious foundations of their lifestyle but also criticizes the broader society’s fascination with speed and convenience, which the Amish view as spiritually dangerous.

Finally, Updike reflects on the irony of the outsiders' curiosity, describing them as "licensed fools who travel far / To gaze upon these simple folk." This highlights a paradox: the very simplicity that makes the Amish lifestyle appealing to outsiders is continuously disturbed by those same outsiders’ intrusion. It suggests a critique of a society that is unable to appreciate simplicity without consuming or commodifying it.

Overall, "The Amish" provides a pithy, somewhat biting commentary on the clash between modern life and traditional values. Updike skillfully uses the Amish as a mirror to reflect on broader societal issues, questioning the inevitability and desirability of progress, while also pointing out the potential drawbacks of a life disconnected from technological and social developments.

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