Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To Two of My Characters" by John Updike is a reflective and self-critical poem in which the poet addresses two of his fictional creations, Emily and Essie. Updike delves into the complexities of character creation, expressing his concerns about whether he has successfully captured the essence and depth of these characters. The poem is a poignant exploration of the challenges inherent in writing, particularly the fear that the portrayal might not do justice to the envisioned characters.

The poem begins with Updike addressing Emily, revealing his uncertainty as he physically steps into a "real greenhouse." This setting, rich with sensory experiences, prompts him to question if he has adequately conveyed through the character of Teddy—presumably another character who views Emily—the vividness and sensory overload of such an environment. Emily is described in a contrasting manner: her physical imperfections, like a "gimpy leg and spiky manner," juxtaposed against the sensual and lush imagery of the greenhouse, reflecting how Teddy perceives her as his "hothouse houri, dizzying." This metaphor elevates Emily, placing her in a fantastical, almost mythic role within Teddy's perception, filled with exotic allure and vibrancy that belies her physical limitations.

Transitioning to Essie, Updike contemplates another dimension of character portrayal—the blend of familial traits that shape her appearance and demeanor. He worries about whether he has made it clear to readers how Essie's appearance embodies both her father's "Wilmot cool precision" and her mother's softer qualities. This genetic and personality synthesis aims to reflect a complex character, shaped by her heritage yet distinctly individual. The phrase "the petals of her willing to unfold at a touch" beautifully captures the vulnerability and delicate nature of Essie, suggesting a latent richness of character ready to be revealed through interaction.

The closing lines of the poem, "I wanted you to be beautiful, the both of you, and, here among real flowers, fear I failed," resonate with a poignant acknowledgment of Updike’s doubts about his ability to render his characters with the beauty and depth he intends. His use of the greenhouse as a metaphor—rich, overflowing, and vivid—serves as a benchmark against which he measures his own descriptive powers and finds them lacking.

"To Two of My Characters" thus serves as a meta-poetic commentary on the artistic process itself. Updike uses the poem to confront his anxieties as a writer, the eternal struggle to encapsulate the vividness of real life and human complexity in the written word. It reveals a vulnerable side of the author, engaged in a continuous quest for perfection in his literary portrayals, and highlights the inherent subjectivity and imperfection of capturing human essence in art. Through this intimate and introspective piece, Updike invites readers to reflect on the nuances of literary creation and the often unvoiced insecurities that accompany the act of writing.

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