Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"How to Be Uncle Sam" by John Updike is a lively and engaging poem that draws on personal and historical imagery to explore themes of identity, patriotism, and public perception. Set against the backdrop of a post-war parade, Updike uses a vivid anecdote involving his father to delve into the complexities of embodying a national symbol like Uncle Sam.

The poem begins by introducing Updike's father as a man who knew "how to be Uncle Sam," a role he assumed during a parade celebrating the return of soldiers from war. Standing "six feet two," and dressed in attire that is both grand and theatrical—“splendidly spatted, his legs like canes, his dandy coat like a bluebird's back”—Updike's father becomes a larger-than-life figure, embodying the iconic American symbol of Uncle Sam. This portrayal not only highlights his physical presence but also the transformative power of costume and performance in adopting a persona.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a man from the crowd, possibly drunk ("I've never been sure he was honestly canned"), confronts Updike's father. This individual, mistaking the persona for the real, accuses Uncle Sam of taking "all my money!" and attempts to physically assault him. The description of the near-miss, "He missed by half an inch; he felt the wind, my father later said," injects a moment of humor and tension into the scene, underscoring the sometimes volatile intersection of public roles and personal safety.

The intervention by the police and another shout from the crowd, "I don't care if you take a poke at Updike, but keep your mitts off Uncle Sam!" further emphasizes the distinction between the man (Updike's father) and the symbol (Uncle Sam). This line reflects a deeper societal reverence for national symbols and the protective sentiment that people often feel towards them, despite the physical reality of the person underneath the costume.

This poem cleverly navigates the duality of being both a private individual and a public emblem. Updike’s father, while playing the role of Uncle Sam, experiences both the adulation and the animosity directed not at him personally but at the figure he represents. The poem thus reflects on the complexities of public symbolism—how figures like Uncle Sam can become repositories for broader public sentiments, expectations, and frustrations.

Overall, "How to Be Uncle Sam" is a rich narrative poem that blends historical context with personal memory, humor, and insight. Updike uses this familial anecdote to explore broader themes of identity, perception, and the sometimes blurry line between person and persona. The poem captures a unique moment where personal history intersects with national identity, offering a nuanced look at the roles we play and the meanings they carry in the public imagination.

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