Poem Analysis - Beans Taste Fine

Introduction: The Allure of the Ordinary

Shel Silverstein's "Beans Taste Fine" is a humorous and cynical exploration of human desire and the cyclical nature of satisfaction. The poem employs a conversational tone, delivered through anecdotes, to explore the idea that even the most luxurious experiences can eventually lose their appeal, leading individuals to seek pleasure in simpler things. There's a lighthearted, almost folksy feel to the narration, yet underlying it is a sense of disillusionment with the pursuit of extravagance. The repetition within the poem reinforces the recurring theme of shifting desires.

From Riches to Simplicity: The First Anecdote

The initial anecdote sets the stage for the poem's central theme. The image of the wealthy man in Chicago, who "finally made his pile" and lives in luxury, juxtaposed with him "eatin' in a greasy spoon" with his "big limousine" outside, immediately establishes the unexpected turn. This image immediately underscores that the constant pursuit of wealth and luxury can paradoxically lead back to the simple pleasures. The phrase "beans, beans taste fine" after indulging in "steak for a long time" is a simple, direct expression of this sentiment.

The Second Verse: Romantic Disillusionment

The second anecdote mirrors the first but shifts the focus from material wealth to romantic relationships. The friend, who has married a "beautiful 18-year-old shapely movie star," is found pursuing a less glamorous relationship. The comparison between "champagne and Chivas Regal" and "Thunderbird wine" acts as an apt analogy of trading a luxurious relationship for something far more ordinary. This implies a deeper yearning for something authentic, a departure from the superficiality and perhaps, pressure, of maintaining such an exceptional romance.

A Theme of Constant Change

One of the prominent themes in the poem is the idea that "man is a creature of constant change." This line, repeated in both stanzas, directly addresses the ever-shifting nature of human desire and taste. It suggests that people aren't content with the same experiences indefinitely, regardless of how initially appealing they may have been. This constant craving for novelty underscores the fleeting nature of satisfaction. The poem presents this constant change not as necessarily positive or negative, but merely as an intrinsic characteristic of human beings.

Symbolism: Beans as a Metaphor

The recurring image of "beans" serves as a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It represents a return to basics, a simpler and perhaps more genuine experience after an extended period of indulgence. Beans are the antithesis of steak, champagne, and beautiful movie stars – they are common, unpretentious, and readily available. The act of choosing "beans" symbolizes a deliberate rejection of the complexities and expectations associated with wealth and luxury, in favor of a more grounded reality. This simplicity is not presented as inherently better, but as a necessary phase in the ongoing cycle of human desire.

Conclusion: Finding Contentment in the Mundane

"Beans Taste Fine" ultimately suggests that the pursuit of extraordinary experiences can lead to a longing for the ordinary. By juxtaposing images of extravagant wealth and commonplace experiences, Silverstein highlights the cyclical nature of human desire. The poem is not a condemnation of wealth or luxury, but rather a recognition that satisfaction is not solely derived from material possessions or social status, but is also contingent on a change of pace. The poem implies that contentment can be found, unexpectedly, in the most mundane aspects of life, after an extended period of luxury and extravagance.