Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Generic College" by John Updike offers a poignant and somewhat sardonic portrayal of a college campus, weaving together elements of nostalgia, decay, and the often-perfunctory nature of institutional education. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Updike critiques the superficial aspects of academic environments while hinting at deeper issues beneath the surface of collegiate life.

The poem opens with the image of a statue of the college's founder, who is adorned with a "green / cape of verdigris upon his epaulettes." This description not only sets a scene of historical reverence but also implies a certain decay and neglect, as verdigris is a green patina that forms on copper or brass from oxidation over time. It suggests that while the founder is memorialized, the values or ideals he represented might be deteriorating or forgotten.

The "White pillars everywhere, and bricks, and streaks / of dawn seen through the hard-to-sleep-in campus / guest house’s narrow-mullioned fenestration" further builds on the setting, presenting the college as a place filled with traditional architecture that is both impressive and imposing. However, the mention of the "hard-to-sleep-in" guest house introduces a personal discomfort, contrasting the grandeur of the buildings with the less accommodating aspects of the actual experience of staying there.

Updike introduces a human element with the depiction of a professor "toddling on the walk below, / emitting smoke puffs like a choo-choo train." This image, while whimsical, also portrays the professor as somewhat diminished or trivialized, his scholarly presence reduced to a childlike figure in a landscape where he perhaps once commanded more respect or authority.

A darker, more troubling aspect of college life is subtly introduced with the line, "The lamps installed to discourage rape go out." This line serves as a stark reminder of the safety concerns that plague many college campuses, suggesting that measures taken to protect students can be unreliable or insufficient. It underscores a sense of vulnerability and adds a layer of critique regarding how institutions handle serious issues.

Within the guest house, the portrait of the aging founder and the velvet furniture "selected by committee" that shows no wear further symbolize the stagnation and perhaps the outdatedness of some academic traditions. These elements, preserved and unchanged, contrast with the dynamic, evolving needs of the college community.

The poem closes on a note that blends resignation with routine: "This stately farce of learning— / well, time to brush the teeth and face the students." The phrase "stately farce of learning" is particularly powerful, encapsulating Updike's critical view of the educational process as sometimes being more about appearances and less about genuine learning. The final mundane act of brushing teeth and facing the students suggests the speaker’s preparation to continue participating in this farce, despite recognizing its flaws.

Overall, "Generic College" uses detailed, evocative descriptions to critique the superficiality and disconnectedness of institutional education, contrasting the idealized vision of academia with the less polished, sometimes disheartening realities of campus life. Through this reflective and critical lens, Updike invites readers to consider the true value and effectiveness of traditional educational paradigms.

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