Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Of Being Numerous: 6," George Oppen explores themes of connection, communication, and the overwhelming nature of modern existence. The poem examines the intense pressure that individuals feel in a densely populated world, where information is immediate and inescapable, and where collective experiences shape our perceptions and choices.

The poem begins with the line, "We are pressed, pressed on each other," evoking a sense of claustrophobia and the physical and psychological closeness of people in modern society. This repetition of "pressed" emphasizes the intensity of this proximity, suggesting that individuals are constantly in close contact with one another, both literally and metaphorically. This closeness can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed by the presence and influence of others, as well as by the sheer density of human interactions and relationships.

Oppen continues with the observation, "We will be told at once / Of anything that happens," which reflects the immediacy of communication in contemporary life. In a world saturated with information, news and events are transmitted instantaneously, leaving little room for individual reflection or processing. The phrase "at once" suggests a lack of delay, where people are immediately and constantly bombarded with facts and updates, contributing to a sense of urgency and emotional intensity.

The poem then describes how "the discovery of fact bursts / In a paroxysm of emotion / Now as always." This line captures the powerful emotional response that often accompanies the revelation of new information. The word "paroxysm" suggests an intense, uncontrollable outburst of emotion, highlighting the visceral impact that facts and events can have on individuals. Oppen notes that this response is not new—"now as always"—indicating that the relationship between knowledge and emotion has long been a fundamental aspect of human experience.

The reference to "Crusoe" in the poem introduces the story of Robinson Crusoe, the fictional castaway who is ultimately "rescued" after years of isolation. Oppen's use of Crusoe as a metaphor reflects the idea of isolation and the desire for connection. However, the line "We say was / ‘Rescued’" implies a certain ambiguity or questioning of the concept of rescue. The quotation marks around "Rescued" suggest that this idea may be more complex or problematic than it appears. Crusoe's "rescue" represents a return to society and connection with others, but it also raises questions about what is lost in the process—namely, the autonomy and self-reliance that Crusoe developed during his time alone.

Finally, Oppen concludes with the line, "So we have chosen." This phrase suggests that the experience of being "pressed" together, of being constantly informed and emotionally impacted by the world, is the result of collective choices. It implies that society has opted for this level of interconnectedness and immediacy, despite the pressures and emotional challenges that come with it. The word "chosen" carries a sense of agency and responsibility, indicating that the conditions of modern life are, to some extent, self-imposed.

"Of Being Numerous: 6" reflects on the challenges of living in a densely interconnected world, where the proximity of others and the constant flow of information create intense emotional experiences. Oppen explores the tension between isolation and connection, using the metaphor of Crusoe to question the nature of rescue and the choices that shape our lives. Through its concise and evocative language, the poem invites readers to consider the implications of living in a society where individual and collective experiences are inextricably linked, and where the pressures of modern existence are both a burden and a result of our own decisions.

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