Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Of Being Numerous: 3," George Oppen continues his exploration of urban life and human existence, focusing on the experience of entering a city, particularly New York. The poem reflects on the emotions and perceptions that arise when one engages with the urban environment and the ways in which these experiences shape our understanding of place and community.

The poem begins with the line, "The emotions are engaged / Entering the city / As entering any city." This opening emphasizes the emotional impact of entering a city, an experience that is both familiar and yet distinct each time it occurs. The use of "any city" suggests a universality to the experience, implying that entering a city—regardless of which one—elicits a similar set of emotions, such as excitement, anxiety, or anticipation. The city is presented as a powerful entity that naturally engages the emotions of those who enter it, a space that commands attention and response.

Oppen then introduces a contemplation on time and place: "We are not coeval / With a locality / But we imagine others are." The term "coeval" refers to being of the same age or duration, suggesting that individuals are not inherently tied to a specific place or time. This line reflects the idea that our connection to a locality is not innate or timeless; rather, it is something imagined or constructed. However, there is an awareness that we often project onto others a more permanent or natural connection to a place—imagining that others belong more fully or naturally to the locality than we do.

The poem continues with a description of encountering others in the city: "We encounter them. Actually / A populace flows / Thru the city." This imagery of a "populace" flowing through the city evokes a sense of movement, fluidity, and constant change. The city is depicted as a dynamic, ever-changing environment where people are continually moving through space, interacting with one another, and creating a collective presence. The use of "flow" suggests that the city is not static but rather alive with the motion and energy of its inhabitants.

Oppen concludes this section with the statement, "This is a language, therefore, of New York." By referring to the experience of entering and engaging with the city as a "language," Oppen highlights the idea that urban life is a form of communication—a way of understanding and interacting with the world. The city of New York, in particular, is presented as a unique linguistic and cultural entity, with its own rhythm, dynamics, and ways of expressing the complexities of human life.

In "Of Being Numerous: 3," Oppen captures the essence of urban existence, focusing on the emotional and sensory experiences that come with entering and moving through a city like New York. The poem reflects on the fluid and ever-changing nature of urban life, where individuals are both part of a larger collective and yet often feel disconnected or transient in relation to the locality. Through his concise and evocative language, Oppen invites readers to consider the ways in which cities shape our emotions, identities, and sense of belonging, offering a meditation on the intricate relationship between place and self in the modern world.

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