Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Updike’s poem "Chicory" is a poignant tribute to resilience and independence, encapsulated through the lens of a seemingly inconspicuous wildflower. The chicory plant, with its "leggy hollow stems" and "button-blooms the tenderest mauve-blue," emerges as a symbol of natural tenacity and beauty thriving in adverse conditions.

The setting is immediately introduced as a neglected, urban space — "a piece of land that God forgot." This imagery of abandonment and decay, with "an unused sidewalk" and "a bulldozed lot, rich in broken glass," sets a stark backdrop against which the vitality of chicory stands out. The plant’s ability to grow in such an environment highlights its rugged endurance and adaptability, qualities that resonate deeply in human contexts as well.

Updike meticulously describes the physical characteristics of chicory, noting its "rough-hairy and lanceolate" leaves and blooms of "the tenderest mauve-blue." These detailed observations celebrate the plant's unique beauty, which persists despite the harsh urban landscape. This contrast not only elevates the chicory’s aesthetic appeal but also symbolizes hope and persistence amid adversity.

The poem also touches on the botanical aspects of chicory, like its deep taproot which is "delicious, boiled" and its leaves that can be added "to salads and cooked greens." These details suggest the plant's utility and its valued role in both human and animal diets, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life forms regardless of their environment.

Crucially, Updike points out that chicory "will not thrive in cultivated soil: it must be free." This line metaphorically underscores a theme of autonomy and perhaps a critique of overly managed or artificial conditions, whether ecological or societal. The chicory’s preference for wild, untended places serves as a metaphor for the human spirit's need for freedom and the ability to find one's own way in the world.

"Chicory" is a meditation on resilience, beauty, and independence. Updike uses the simple yet sturdy chicory flower as a powerful emblem of survival and freedom, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the often overlooked wild elements in our landscapes and lives. Through this poem, he invites readers to recognize and respect the inherent strength found in nature's persistence.

POEM TEXT: https://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php%3Fdate=2011%252F03%252F29.html

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