Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Two Limericks for the Elderly" by John Updike presents a pair of limericks that playfully engage with themes of aging and individual quirks. Each limerick uses humor and wit to depict elderly characters with distinctive personalities and views, using the classic limerick form to balance levity with insight into the human condition.

1. The first limerick focuses on an old man from Poughkeepsie who refers to himself humorously as an "old poop." This character brings a light-hearted view of aging, attributing his nighttime pep not merely to drinking Schweppes, a brand of carbonated beverages, but implying a liveliness that goes beyond what might be expected at his age. The rhyme and rhythm typical of limericks lend a jocular tone to the portrayal, encapsulating the old man's spirited attitude in a whimsical, self-deprecating manner.

   The structure of the limerick, with its bouncing cadence, supports the humorous revelation at the end. The line "Said he, 'My last steps / Aren't propelled by just / Schweppes!'" plays on the expectations of the reader for a punchy ending, which is humorously delivered in the final line, reinforcing the image of a lively, if somewhat cheeky, elderly man.

2. The second limerick features a touchy old gentleman from Cohasset who has a penchant for avoiding physical contact. This character's declaration, framed by the classical reference "Noli tangere," meaning "do not touch," suggests a formal, perhaps old-fashioned demeanor, spiced with a bit of humor in how seriously he takes his personal space.

   The punchline "Is implicit but not, I think, tacit!" cleverly plays with the ideas of being both outspoken and subtly implied. The character seems to acknowledge that while he might not expressly say to keep distance ("tacit"), his attitude and perhaps the tone he uses ("implicit") clearly convey his message. The use of formal and somewhat archaic language adds a layer of comedy, enhancing the portrayal of the elderly man as both dignified and a bit eccentric.

Overall, Updike's "Two Limericks for the Elderly" employs the limerick form effectively to blend humor with character study, offering a light-hearted yet poignant reflection on aging. Each limerick, through its witty language and rhythmic punch, delivers a snapshot of life's later stages with a mix of humor, warmth, and a touch of idiosyncrasy, inviting the reader to find joy and laughter in the quirks that define us all.

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