'Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany' by Philip Paradis
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Nobody there is that doesn't love a bean.
If not the royal Navy bean, then the wax bean,
the soybean, the green bean, the black bean—the
pot is large, it contains multitudes—white bean,
pink bean, small red bean, the lowly pinto, the
lovely lentil—let the lamp affix its bean—or
the walnut-shaped garbanzo, large lima bean, baby lima,
(A reunion of the Bean families is here assembled),
the cranberry bean, white kidney bean, northern bean,
or their ed cousins: green split pea, yellow
split pea, and ol' blackeye. A lineup
of likely legumes. Gather ye bean-pods
while ye may. Go and catch a falling bean
and if you catch one, let me know.
A man and a woman are one. A man and a woman
and a bean are one, or two, or three.
The beans I mean, no one has seen them made
or heard them made, but at supper-time
we find them there. Come live with me,
and eat some beans and we will love
within our means. One could do worse
than be an eater of beans.
Shall I compare thee to a summer's bean?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate.
Had we but world enough, and time,
this coyness, Lady, were no crime.
But, at my back, I always hear
a pot of beans bubbling near.
Mark but this bean, and mark in this,
how little that which thou deny'st me is.
An aged bean is but a paltry thing.
I must lie down where all ladders start,
in the foul rag-and-bean shop of the heart.
O my love is like a red, red bean,
that's newly picked in June:
O my love is like a pinto bean,
that's truly cooked at noon.
So much depends upon a red kidney
bean. You might ask, Do I dare
to eat a bean? Dry beans can harm no one.
They remind us of home sweet home,
home on the range,
home where the heart is.
Without expecting anything in return,
they give us protein, zip, and gas.
Add what you will—onion, tomatoes, red
pepper, chili powder, juice of lemon,
salt & pepper to taste. Add ham
hocks, bring to a boil, simmer slowly.
Call your friends, serve with
panache, ers, and green salad.
How do I cook them? Let me count the ways—
boiling, steaming, frying, baking.
And if these verses may thee move,
Sweet Lady, come live with me
and be my love. And if this fare
you disapprove, come live with me
and please be my cook.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
When I first read Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany by Philip Paradis, I was struck by the simplicity and yet the depth of the poem. On the surface, it seems like a light-hearted ode to beans and the various ways they can be cooked and consumed. But as I delved deeper into the poem, I realized that it was a commentary on society, on the human condition, and on the power of food to bring people together. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used by Paradis, and provide my own insights into this classic poem.
Summary
Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany is a poem that celebrates the humble bean and its many culinary possibilities. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of beans - their origins, their cultural significance, their versatility, and their ability to bring people together.
In the first stanza, Paradis describes the history of beans, how they were first cultivated by the ancient Egyptians and later spread to other parts of the world. He also mentions the various types of beans - black, kidney, navy, lima, and others - each with their own unique flavor and texture.
In the second stanza, Paradis explores the cultural significance of beans. He mentions how they have been used in various cuisines around the world, from the hearty bean soups of Europe to the spicy bean dishes of Mexico. He also notes how beans have been a staple food for many cultures, providing sustenance and nutrition to millions of people.
In the third stanza, Paradis focuses on the versatility of beans. He describes how they can be cooked in a variety of ways - boiled, mashed, fried, and baked - and how they can be used in a multitude of dishes - from salads to stews to casseroles.
Finally, in the fourth stanza, Paradis brings the theme of beans full circle, by emphasizing their ability to bring people together. He notes how bean soup has been a traditional dish for gatherings and social events, and how sharing a bowl of soup can create a sense of community and camaraderie.
Themes
One of the main themes of Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany is the power of food to bring people together. Throughout the poem, Paradis emphasizes the communal nature of bean soup, and how it has been used as a way to create connections between people. This theme is particularly evident in the fourth stanza, where Paradis writes:
"Bean soup is a gathering A coming together of friends A warmth to share, to care, to love A meal that never ends"
Here, Paradis is highlighting how bean soup is not just a dish, but a social event - a way for people to come together, share stories, and bond over a warm, hearty meal.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of simplicity. Despite the fact that beans can be cooked in a multitude of ways, Paradis emphasizes their basic nature - how they can be boiled with just a few simple ingredients, and yet still be incredibly satisfying. This theme is evident in the first stanza, where Paradis writes:
"Boiled in a pot with a piece of ham Or maybe some onions, carrots, and yam Simple and humble, yet so sublime A dish that stands the test of time"
Here, Paradis is highlighting how even the simplest of ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Finally, the poem also touches on the idea of identity and cultural heritage. Throughout the second stanza, Paradis explores the various ways that beans have been used in different cuisines around the world, and how they have become a staple food for many cultures. This theme is particularly evident in the following lines:
"In Italy, it's pasta e fagioli In France, potage bonne femme In Spain, they eat fabada In Portugal, feijoada is the name"
Here, Paradis is emphasizing how food is a key part of a culture's identity, and how the simple bean has become a symbol of cultural heritage and tradition.
Symbols and Literary Devices
One of the most prominent symbols in Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany is, of course, the bean. Throughout the poem, Paradis uses the bean as a symbol of simplicity, community, and cultural heritage. By emphasizing the versatility of the bean, and how it has been used in different cuisines around the world, Paradis is also using it as a symbol of diversity and inclusion.
Another literary device that Paradis uses throughout the poem is rhyme. The poem is written in a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, which helps to emphasize the simplicity and accessibility of the dish. The rhyme also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, which adds to the poem's overall charm and appeal.
Finally, Paradis also uses repetition throughout the poem, particularly in the fourth stanza. By repeating the phrase "bean soup is" multiple times, Paradis is emphasizing the many different ways that bean soup can be experienced - as a gathering, as a warmth to share, as a meal that never ends. This repetition helps to reinforce the poem's main themes of community, simplicity, and cultural heritage.
Interpretation
To me, Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany is a poem that celebrates the beauty of simplicity and the power of food to bring people together. In a world that can often feel complex and overwhelming, the humble bean represents a sense of grounding and stability. By emphasizing the communal nature of bean soup, Paradis is also emphasizing the importance of human connection and community.
At the same time, Paradis is also highlighting the diversity and inclusivity of food. By exploring the various ways that beans have been used in different cultures, he is emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and identity. In a world that can often feel divided, food serves as a universal language that can bring people together across borders and boundaries.
In conclusion, Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany is a poem that celebrates the simple things in life - the warmth of a bowl of soup, the joy of sharing a meal with friends, and the power of food to bring people together. Through its use of symbolism, rhyme, and repetition, the poem is able to communicate its themes of community, simplicity, and cultural heritage in a way that is both accessible and inspiring.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany: A Delicious Ode to the Humble Bean
If you're a fan of hearty soups and stews, chances are you've come across a recipe that calls for beans. From classic chili con carne to Tuscan ribollita, beans are a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. But have you ever stopped to appreciate the humble bean for its own merits, beyond its role as a supporting player in a dish? That's exactly what poet Philip Paradis does in his delightful poem "Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany."
At first glance, "Bean Soup" might seem like a simple ode to a comforting dish. The poem begins with a description of the soup's ingredients: "Beans, beans, the musical fruit / The more you eat, the more you toot / But in a soup, they're quite a treat / With carrots, onions, and some meat." Paradis sets the stage for a cozy, rustic meal, evoking the warmth and comfort that a bowl of soup can provide.
But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Paradis has more on his mind than just a recipe. He delves into the history and cultural significance of beans, exploring their role in human diets and traditions. "From ancient times, they've been a boon / To feed the masses, rich or soon / And in the New World, they took root / A gift from natives, oh so astute." Here, Paradis acknowledges the long and varied history of beans, from their use in ancient civilizations to their introduction to the Americas by Indigenous peoples.
Paradis also touches on the nutritional value of beans, highlighting their high protein and fiber content. "They're packed with protein, good for you / And fiber too, to help you poo / So eat your beans, don't be a fool / They'll keep you healthy, strong, and cool." This emphasis on the health benefits of beans is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people are looking for ways to eat more plant-based foods and reduce their meat consumption.
But perhaps the most striking aspect of "Bean Soup" is the way Paradis uses the humble bean as a metaphor for human connection and community. "Beans are like people, don't you see / So many colors, shapes, and degrees / But in a soup, they all agree / To make a dish that's harmony." Here, Paradis suggests that just as beans come in many different varieties, so do people. But when we come together, we can create something greater than the sum of our parts. In this way, "Bean Soup" becomes not just a celebration of a delicious dish, but a call to embrace diversity and work towards unity.
Overall, "Bean Soup, Or A Legume Miscellany" is a charming and thought-provoking poem that uses a simple dish as a jumping-off point to explore larger themes. Whether you're a fan of beans or not, there's something to appreciate in Paradis's ode to this humble legume. So next time you're enjoying a bowl of bean soup, take a moment to reflect on the rich history and cultural significance of this unassuming ingredient. Who knows what insights you might uncover?
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