Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Street," George Oppen presents a stark and unflinching portrayal of poverty and its dehumanizing effects. The poem is both a personal lament and a broader social critique, as Oppen explores the physical and emotional toll of poverty on individuals and communities. Through his direct language and vivid imagery, Oppen conveys the harsh realities of life on Bergen Street, highlighting the complex interplay between poverty, morality, and human suffering.

The poem opens with a blunt acknowledgment: "Ah these are the poor, / These are the poor— / Bergen street." By repeating "these are the poor," Oppen emphasizes the visibility and ubiquity of poverty in this urban environment. Bergen Street, a specific location, becomes a symbol for impoverished neighborhoods everywhere, places marked by hardship and deprivation. The repetition also underscores the speaker's recognition of the people who inhabit this street, bringing their struggles into sharp focus.

Oppen immediately confronts the reader with the emotional weight of poverty: "Humiliation, / Hardship..." These words capture the daily indignities and challenges faced by the poor, painting a picture of lives marked by constant struggle. The use of ellipsis after "Hardship" suggests that these words are only the beginning of a much longer, unspoken list of suffering and adversity that the poor endure.

The line "Nor are they very good to each other; / It is not that." introduces a nuanced perspective on the impact of poverty on human relationships. Oppen acknowledges that the strain of poverty often leads to a breakdown in community and kindness, where people, overwhelmed by their own hardships, may not be able to offer support to one another. The phrase "It is not that" implies that the speaker is not judging or blaming the poor for their behavior, but rather recognizing that their circumstances make it difficult to maintain positive relationships.

The poem then shifts to a broader reflection on the nature of poverty and its consequences: "I want / An end of poverty / As much as anyone / For the sake of intelligence, / 'The conquest of existence'—" Here, Oppen articulates his desire to see poverty eradicated, not only for the sake of alleviating suffering but also for the "sake of intelligence"—the idea that poverty stifles human potential, creativity, and progress. The phrase "the conquest of existence," likely a reference to a philosophical or intellectual ideal, suggests that overcoming poverty is essential to achieving a fuller, more meaningful life for all people.

Oppen then reaffirms the reality of poverty: "And this is real pain, / Moreover." The addition of "Moreover" emphasizes that the physical and emotional pain caused by poverty is not abstract or theoretical but is a tangible and pressing issue. This pain is something that must be acknowledged and addressed.

The poem's final lines focus on the most vulnerable victims of poverty: children. "It is terrible to see the children, / The righteous little girls; / So good, they expect to be so good..." These lines evoke a deep sense of sorrow and pity for the children who grow up in poverty. The "righteous little girls" are described as being "so good," a reflection of their innocence and their internalization of societal expectations to behave well despite their circumstances. The repetition of "so good" underscores the tragic irony that these children, despite their best efforts to be good, are trapped in a situation that offers them little hope for a better future.

"Street" is a powerful exploration of poverty and its effects on individuals and communities. Through his precise language and evocative imagery, George Oppen captures the harsh realities of life in impoverished neighborhoods and the emotional toll it takes on those who live there. The poem is a call to recognize the real pain and suffering caused by poverty and to strive for a world where all people have the opportunity to live with dignity, intelligence, and hope. Oppen’s work invites readers to consider the broader implications of poverty and to reflect on the moral and social responsibilities that come with addressing it.

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