Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alan Dugan's poem "One Used to Be Able to Say" engages with historical wisdom to comment on contemporary moral and political dilemmas. By invoking the figures of Seneca and Nero, and later Oppian, Dugan bridges ancient ethical insights with modern concerns, particularly those involving leadership and environmental consciousness.

The poem begins with a reference to a statement made by the philosopher Seneca to Emperor Nero, a notorious ruler known for his ruthless methods: "However many people you kill you can never kill your successor." This line originally served as a caution against the futility of trying to secure power through violence, as it does not prevent the rise of new leaders or the eventual downfall of the tyrant. Dugan, however, introduces a twist to this ancient wisdom by suggesting that "the joke may not be necessarily true" in contemporary times, indicating that modern capabilities, possibly referring to nuclear or environmental destruction, might indeed allow current leaders to eliminate future generations entirely.

This reinterpretation of Seneca's words reflects a deep cynicism about the state of the world and the potential for current actions to have irreversible consequences. The idea that "we might have done it already" adds a sense of urgency and gravity to the reflection, emphasizing the drastic nature of contemporary threats to human survival and political stability.

Dugan then shifts the focus to Oppian, an ancient Greek poet known for his works on hunting and fishing, who argued that "The hunting of Dolphins is immoral" and that such actions would corrupt not just the individual but also "the people under his own roof." This transition from political tyranny to environmental exploitation broadens the poem’s scope, linking ethical leadership to environmental stewardship. Oppian's words serve as a warning that immorality in our treatment of nature can have wide-reaching consequences, polluting not just the physical environment but also the moral fabric of society.

The inclusion of Oppian's stance on dolphins introduces an element of sacrality and taboo regarding nature, suggesting that there are divine or cosmic laws governing the treatment of living beings that, when violated, result in spiritual or communal contamination. This reflects a broader philosophical view that the health of the natural environment is intrinsically connected to human ethical behavior.

In "One Used to Be Able to Say," Dugan uses historical perspectives to critique modern practices, suggesting that the lessons of the past are being ignored or overridden by contemporary actions. The poem serves as a reminder of the timeless relevance of ethical considerations, whether in the exercise of political power or in the treatment of the environment. By drawing parallels between ancient warnings and modern behaviors, Dugan emphasizes the continuity of moral challenges across time and the ongoing need for wisdom in leadership and stewardship. The poem subtly urges a reconsideration of current paths, hinting at the potential for redemption through adherence to ethical principles derived from historical insights.

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