Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Eurydice" by John Updike reimagines the mythological figure of Eurydice in a contemporary, urban setting, specifically placing her within the vibrant and culturally rich atmosphere of Harlem. Updike uses this setting to explore themes of beauty, racial identity, and the transcendent qualities of artistic expression, all while drawing parallels between classical mythology and modern life.

The poem opens with a poignant query to Eurydice, addressing her as a "Negress serene though underground," which immediately evokes the mythical Eurydice’s tragic confinement in the underworld, yet here it is intertwined with the metaphorical and physical underground of an urban subway. Updike questions what experiences in Harlem might have shaped her stoic demeanor, hinting at the cultural and possibly matrimonial ceremonies ("weddings in northward Harlem") that have left an imprint on her character, likened to a "cameo stamp."

Updike’s depiction of Eurydice transcends her mythological role, presenting her as a figure of profound aesthetic and emotional depth. He remarks, "Beauty should never be bored with being beautiful," suggesting a timeless, effortless grace that is both a blessing and a burden, a beauty so profound that it exists beyond the gaze and appreciation of others, even beyond Eurydice’s own self-awareness.

The poem vividly captures the frenetic energy of the subway ride: "Bright lights are shattered by our speed. / The couplings cluck, the darkness yells." This environment contrasts with the tranquility and grace embodied by Eurydice, emphasizing the chaotic and transient world moving around her immutable beauty. The "child beside you sidles in and out of sleep," introduces a scene of ordinary life that continues unaffected by the profound presence of Eurydice, underscoring the anonymity and isolation she experiences amidst the crowd.

Updike introduces himself in the narrative as a "poor sooty white man scarcely visible," reflecting on his own invisibility and perhaps insignificance in her presence. His description of Eurydice is both vivid and intimate: "sockets thumbed from clay wherein eyelids are petals of shadow, cheekbones and jawbone whose carriage is of a proud rider in velvet, lips where eleven curves live." This description not only enhances her regal, almost sculptural quality but also emphasizes the artistic craft that shapes her narrative—both as a mythological figure and as a subject of the poem.

The speaker’s plea, "Eurydice, come follow me, my song is silent, listen," evokes the myth of Orpheus, who tried to lead Eurydice out of the underworld with his enchanting music. Updike’s version of the song is "silent," a poignant reminder of the limitations of his own powers and the ultimate futility echoed in the original myth. He vows to elevate her name eternally, yet acknowledges the ephemeral nature of their interaction and her presence.

The conclusion of the poem at "Fifty-ninth" Street with "The doors gape wide" and "The kiosk steps are black with blood" suggests a sudden, violent shift from the internal contemplation to the harsh realities of the external world. As in the myth, Eurydice is pulled away, "tugged northward into night," leaving the speaker and the reader to contend with her loss and the fleeting intersection of their lives.

In "Eurydice," Updike crafts a narrative that bridges classical mythology with modern urban life, exploring themes of racial identity, the persistence of beauty, and the enduring power of art and memory against the backdrop of the transient, often harsh realities of city living. This poem invites reflection on how ancient stories continue to resonate and find relevance in contemporary settings and individual experiences.

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