Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Upon Looking into Sylvia Plath's Letters Home" by John Updike is a reflective and poignant poem that meditates on the shared experiences and distinct paths of two literary figures, Sylvia Plath and himself. Updike delves into Plath's letters as a window into her life and times, drawing parallels and contrasts between their lives, their work, and their ultimate legacies in the realm of literature.

The poem begins by establishing a shared starting point, "born in 1932," suggesting a generational kinship between Updike and Plath. He portrays a common post-Depression era upbringing marked by certain expectations: loving and being loved by parents, achieving in school, and believing in the power of words. This setup introduces a narrative of cultural and personal imperatives that shaped the lives of young intellectuals of that time.

Updike touches on the mundane yet essential task of "the diligence with postage, / sending things out," reflecting the meticulous effort involved in building a literary career through submissions and correspondence, a reality that resonates with many writers. The reference to watching "Dreyer’s silent Joan / at the Museum of Modern Art" and the emotional impact of such experiences highlights the deep connection to art and its profound influence on young writers like Plath.

The phrase "the courtship of the slicks," refers to the pursuit of publication in mainstream magazines—a necessary means for a writer to make a living ("because one had to eat, one and one’s spouse"). This pursuit is tinged with a hint of compromise, as it involves navigating the commercial aspects of the literary world while seeking to maintain artistic integrity. Updike's use of "Bohem-/Utop-ia" cleverly blends 'Bohemia' and 'Utopia,' encapsulating a blend of idealistic and unconventional life that many writers aspire to.

However, the poem takes a darker turn as Updike reflects on Plath's tragic end, "You, dead at thirty, leaving blood-soaked poems / for all the anthologies." This line is a stark reminder of Plath’s intense and tumultuous life that, despite its brevity, produced profound poetic works that remain influential. In contrast, Updike describes himself as "still wheezing, / my works overweight," portraying his own career as lengthy and prolific, yet perhaps burdened by its own voluminous output.

The concluding line, "and yet we feel twins," reveals a deep sense of connection between Updike and Plath, despite their different fates. This sentiment underscores a shared understanding of the pressures and rewards of the literary life, and a mutual recognition of the isolation that often accompanies creative pursuits.

In "Upon Looking into Sylvia Plath's Letters Home," Updike weaves a complex tapestry of admiration, reflection, and melancholy. Through his introspective engagement with Plath's letters, he offers insights not only into her life but also into his own, and more broadly, into the lives of those who devote themselves to the demanding and often unforgiving task of writing. This poem stands as a contemplative dialogue across time and experience, highlighting the universal challenges and triumphs of the literary journey.

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