Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

George Oppen's poem "Leviathan" is a dense and introspective exploration of the nature of truth, the challenges of communication, and the existential uncertainties that define human experience. The title, "Leviathan," evokes the biblical sea monster, a symbol of chaos and the unknown, setting the tone for a poem that grapples with the complexities of understanding and articulating reality.

The poem opens with the assertion that "Truth also is the pursuit of it," suggesting that truth is not a fixed, attainable state but rather an ongoing process, much like the pursuit of happiness. The comparison to happiness implies that truth, like happiness, is elusive and transient—something that cannot be fully grasped or sustained. The phrase "it will not stand" reinforces this idea, indicating that truth is unstable and resistant to being pinned down or captured in definitive terms.

Oppen continues by reflecting on the nature of poetry itself: "Even the verse begins to eat away / In the acid." Here, he acknowledges the corrosive effect that the relentless pursuit of truth can have on language and poetry. The act of trying to encapsulate truth in words can erode the very structure of the verse, much like acid gradually eats away at a substance. This imagery underscores the difficulty and perhaps the futility of trying to express absolute truths through language.

The repetition of the word "pursuit" emphasizes the relentless and perhaps obsessive nature of this quest for truth. The subsequent lines, "A wind moves a little, / Moving in a circle, very cold," introduce an image of stagnation and futility. The wind, normally a symbol of change and movement, is here depicted as moving in a circle, suggesting that the pursuit of truth may lead one in circles, without ever arriving at a final destination. The coldness of the wind further conveys a sense of isolation and detachment, as if the pursuit itself is emotionally draining or alienating.

The poem then shifts to a more direct, conversational tone: "How shall we say? / In ordinary discourse— / We must talk now." This plea for communication highlights the urgency of the need to connect and articulate these complex thoughts and feelings. However, the speaker admits to a growing uncertainty: "I am no longer sure of the words, / The clockwork of the world." This line reflects a profound doubt not only in language but also in the fundamental structures that govern reality. The "clockwork of the world," once a reliable metaphor for order and predictability, is now something the speaker questions, indicating a deep existential crisis.

Oppen introduces the concept of the "preponderance of objects" as something inexplicable, yet undeniable. This phrase suggests an overwhelming presence of material reality that dominates and confounds human understanding. The daily illumination of the sky, a seemingly mundane occurrence, becomes a symbol of this overwhelming and persistent reality that we cannot fully comprehend or escape. The line "And we have become the present" reflects a resignation to this reality, suggesting that humans are inextricably bound to the material world and the present moment, despite their efforts to transcend or understand it fully.

The poem circles back to the need for communication with the repeated line "We must talk now." This repetition underscores the urgency and necessity of human connection, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt. The final lines, "Fear / Is fear. But we abandon one another," introduce a stark and poignant conclusion. The acknowledgment that "fear is fear" implies a recognition of the raw, unmediated reality of fear—an emotion that is universal and undeniable. Yet, despite this shared experience, the poem laments the fact that people "abandon one another," suggesting a failure to connect, communicate, or support each other in the midst of this shared existential struggle.

"Leviathan" is a meditation on the complexities of truth, language, and human relationships. Oppen grapples with the elusive nature of truth, the limitations of language, and the alienation that can result from the pursuit of understanding. The poem’s structure, with its shifts between abstract reflection and direct address, mirrors the oscillation between doubt and the need for communication. Ultimately, "Leviathan" invites readers to consider the challenges of living in a world where truth is elusive, language is imperfect, and human connections are fraught with difficulty—yet essential for navigating the uncertainties of existence.

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