Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Updike's poem "Compliment" intricately explores the complex emotional terrain of an extramarital affair through the lens of a brief, illicit encounter. The narrative delves into the ambivalence and the moral quandaries faced by the individuals involved, providing a vivid, intimate glimpse into their internal conflicts and the eventual consummation of their momentary desire.

The poem begins by setting the scene in an "Afternoon Motel," a stereotypical venue for secret liaisons, where the couple is "both of two minds about adultery." This ambivalence is crucial, as it lays the groundwork for the emotional and moral tug-of-war that ensues. The description of the couple spending their time "half-undressed," "kissing and drinking and doubting and foregoing" captures the hesitation and the struggle between advancing their physical intimacy and holding back due to their existing commitments and moral considerations.

The woman, who has "never betrayed her husband before," is portrayed with particular sensitivity. Updike uses the reference to Eve, the biblical figure who first tasted forbidden fruit, to underscore the gravity of her decision to cross a moral boundary. The tension builds as they lie "side by side on the still-intact rented bed," a symbol of the yet unbroken vow, with the woman wrestling with her conscience until "the answer had suddenly come to her." The ensuing description of their physical union is both explicit and tender, reflecting a mixture of guilt, excitement, and relief.

The complexity of the woman's emotions is captured in the closing lines. Her reaction, encapsulated in the word "Terrific," delivered with a "smiling" breath, suggests a mix of satisfaction and resignation. This single word, loaded with irony, seems to affirm the quality of the experience while simultaneously acknowledging the potential repercussions of her actions. Her "tremulous eyelids" and the vision of "the fallen world's dooms" suggest a profound awareness of the gravity of her choice, hinting at both the immediate pleasure and the longer-term emotional and ethical implications.

Updike’s "Compliment" thus serves as a poignant exploration of human vulnerability, desire, and the often-painful compromises and contradictions inherent in personal relationships. The poem is reflective of Updike's keen insight into human behavior, capturing the fleeting moments of joy and the enduring consequences of our choices with precision and empathy.

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