Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Of Being Numerous: 12," George Oppen reflects on the nature of human experience, the passage of time, and the inevitable changes that define our relationship with the world. The poem juxtaposes the simplicity and purity of an earlier, more primitive way of life with the complexities and challenges of modern existence. Through this contrast, Oppen explores themes of loss, repetition, and the potential for renewal.

The poem begins with a quotation that sets the philosophical tone: "‘In these explanations it is presumed that an experiencing subject is one occasion of a sensitive reaction to an actual world.’" This line suggests that each individual is a unique instance of consciousness reacting to the world around them. It implies that our experiences are deeply personal, shaped by our interactions with the environment, yet also part of a broader, shared reality.

Oppen then shifts to a simple yet profound observation: "the rain falls / that had not been falling / and it is the same world." This imagery captures the idea that while specific events or changes occur—such as the onset of rain—the fundamental nature of the world remains constant. The world continues to be the same, even as it is continuously altered by the passing moments and the experiences of those who inhabit it. This line evokes the paradox of change within continuity, highlighting the cyclical nature of existence.

The poem then delves into a depiction of an earlier, perhaps idealized way of life: "They made small objects / Of wood and the bones of fish / And of stone. They talked, / Families talked, / They gathered in council / And spoke, carrying objects." These lines describe a time when people were closely connected to the natural world, creating simple objects from natural materials and engaging in communal activities. The act of talking and gathering in council suggests a society where communication and shared decision-making were central to life. The mention of "carrying objects" implies that these objects held significance, possibly as symbols or tools within their community.

Oppen notes that "They were credulous, / Their things shone in the forest." The word "credulous" suggests that these people were trusting or naive, perhaps believing in the power or sacredness of the objects they created. The phrase "their things shone in the forest" evokes a sense of purity and reverence, as if these simple objects held a special place in their world, reflecting their close relationship with nature.

However, Oppen contrasts this idyllic image with a sense of irrevocable loss: "They were patient / With the world. / This will never return, never." Here, he acknowledges that the patience and simplicity of this earlier way of life have been lost to time and will not come back. The repetition of "never" emphasizes the finality of this loss, suggesting that the world has changed in ways that make it impossible to fully recover this past.

Despite this, Oppen introduces a glimmer of hope: "Unless having reached their limits / They will begin over, that is, / Over and over." This line suggests that while the past cannot be reclaimed, there is a possibility for renewal or rebirth. If people reach the limits of their current way of life—perhaps exhausted by the complexities and challenges of modern existence—they may have the opportunity to start anew, to "begin over." The repetition of "over and over" implies that this process of renewal is not a one-time event but an ongoing cycle, reflecting the perpetual nature of change and the potential for regeneration.

"Of Being Numerous: 12" is a meditation on the passage of time, the loss of simplicity, and the potential for renewal in the face of modern challenges. Oppen contrasts the purity and patience of an earlier way of life with the complexities of the present, acknowledging the irretrievable loss of certain aspects of that past while also suggesting that new beginnings are possible. Through his evocative language and philosophical reflections, Oppen invites readers to consider the cycles of change that define human existence and the ways in which we might find meaning and continuity in a constantly evolving world.

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