Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"V.B. Nimble, V.B. Quick" by John Updike is a whimsical and rhythmic portrayal of a day in the life of a fictionalized scientist, V.B. Wigglesworth, inspired by the real-life biologist. Updike crafts an energetic and almost fantastical sequence of activities that highlight the eccentricities and the frenetic pace of a scientist's daily routine. The poem encapsulates the blend of the mundane and the extraordinary in the life of a scientist dedicated to various pursuits of knowledge.

The poem begins with a casual start to the day, "V.B. Wigglesworth wakes at noon," immediately setting a tone that is both laid-back and unconventional. This opening line serves to intrigue and amuse, as it contradicts the typical early-starting, disciplined stereotype of a scientist. Updike quickly transitions into a flurry of activities: "Washes, shaves and very soon / Is at the lab; he reads his mail, / Swings a tadpole by the tail," capturing a sense of whimsy and curiosity that pervades Wigglesworth’s scientific endeavors.

Each action described in the poem is both hyperbolic and lighthearted, showcasing a variety of bizarre and humorous tasks that characterize Wigglesworth's day at the lab. From "Dips a spider in a vat / Of alkaline" to more grandiose achievements like telling the press of his F.R.S. (Fellow of the Royal Society) status, the poem paints a picture of a scientist who is both a serious researcher and a playful experimenter.

The poem is laden with amusingly rhymed couplets that add a rhythmic, almost sing-song quality to the reading, which mirrors the ceaseless energy and quick movements suggested by the title. The activities range from the practical ("Writes a treatise, edits two / Symposia on 'Will man do?'") to the absurd ("Kills a rat by ringing bells"), each illustrating the diversity of his scientific exploration and eccentric methodology.

By the end of the poem, Updike circles back to a quieter moment in the scientist's day, "Finds / His hat, adjusts it, pulls the blinds, / Instructs the jellyfish to spawn," before concluding with Wigglesworth’s departure "by one o’clock." This brisk closure to his workday further emphasizes the rapidity and efficiency with which the character operates, leaving the reader amused and perhaps a bit bewildered by the whirlwind of activities.

"V.B. Nimble, V.B. Quick" serves not only as a humorous and exaggerated snapshot of a day in the life of a quirky scientist but also as a celebration of the curious and relentless pursuit of knowledge. Updike’s playful use of language and inventive scenarios encapsulate the excitement and unpredictability of scientific inquiry, making the poem a delightful ode to the creativity and madness that often accompanies the quest for understanding the natural world.

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