Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Richard Wilbur’s "Rillons, Rillettes" is a witty, philosophical exploration of subtle distinctions and the human tendency to create meaning—or confusion—from seemingly identical entities. Using two French delicacies, rillons and rillettes, as his focus, Wilbur blends culinary commentary with a light-hearted yet pointed meditation on paradox, identity, and the complexity of categorization. Through playful language and a structured rhyme, the poem probes deeper questions about perception, tradition, and the human propensity to puzzle over the minute differences in otherwise similar things.

The poem begins with a humorous assertion: “Rillons, Rillettes, they taste the same, / And would by any other name.” This nod to Shakespeare’s famous line about roses and names establishes the central irony: though the dishes are ostensibly the same, they are treated as distinct entities, each tied to specific regions in France. The clever wordplay of “alike as two pigs in a poke” further underscores their shared identity—both are derived from pork and serve as hors d?oeuvres—while introducing a lighthearted tone that carries throughout the poem.

Despite their apparent similarity, Wilbur quickly points out the regional and subjective nuances that complicate their equivalence. Tours is renowned for its rillettes, while Blois claims supremacy for its rillons. The poem captures the tension between these competing culinary claims with a playful jab at the paradox: “There must be some solution. Ah!—” The abrupt pause invites the reader into the absurdity of the speculation to follow.

Wilbur’s proposed solution—that Blois might supply the best rillettes de Tours while Tours has seen its standards decline—highlights the layers of complexity and irony in regional pride and tradition. This whimsical hypothesis reflects humanity’s penchant for overcomplicating simple matters, as well as the cultural weight assigned to distinctions that, on the surface, may seem negligible. The humor lies in the elaborate reasoning applied to resolve an almost inconsequential question, drawing parallels to the philosophical and theological debates invoked later in the poem.

The poem’s conclusion broadens its scope, likening the riddle of rillons and rillettes to weightier intellectual dilemmas: “Like non-non-A, infinity, / Or the doctrine of the Trinity.” This shift elevates the culinary paradox to the realm of metaphysical inquiry, suggesting that the puzzling nature of these dishes mirrors humanity’s struggles with abstract concepts like self-contradiction, the infinite, and theological mysteries. The juxtaposition of gourmet minutiae with profound philosophical questions creates a delightful contrast, underscoring the universal human tendency to grapple with complexity, whether in food or metaphysics.

Structurally, the poem’s tight rhyme scheme and rhythmic flow reflect the precision of Wilbur’s wit and language. The light, conversational tone belies the depth of the questions it raises, allowing the reader to enjoy the humor while pondering the underlying commentary on perception, tradition, and meaning.

At its core, "Rillons, Rillettes" is a playful yet insightful meditation on the human drive to differentiate and categorize, even when distinctions are minute or arbitrary. By using the culinary rivalry between Tours and Blois as a metaphor, Wilbur explores broader themes of identity, tradition, and the complexity of understanding. The poem invites readers to laugh at the absurdity of our need to create and defend distinctions, while subtly suggesting that this very impulse is what makes us human. Through its humor and philosophical depth, "Rillons, Rillettes" celebrates the joy of puzzling over life’s small yet endlessly intriguing mysteries.

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