“Jesus and Elvis” and John Updike's Poetry

Abstract

John Updike is not only a novelist of rare distinction but also a poet who displays a fine religious sensibility. This article examines three of Updike's theologically most pregnant poetic offerings. “Seven Stanzas at Easter” finds the poet attesting the bodily resurrection of Christ with Pauline fervor and literary grace. In “Religious Consolation,” the poet inserts the consoling message of faith into a poem that candidly recognizes the bizarre nature of so much of what passes for religion. And “Jesus and Elvis” compares two beloved kings, duly noting differences and similarities.