Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Of Being Numerous: 10," George Oppen delves into the tension between individual expression and collective experience, particularly in the context of urban life and modern art. The poem reflects on the nature of artistic creation, the role of the audience, and the inherent struggles and failures of communication in a densely populated, often alienating world.

The poem opens with a somewhat ironic exclamation: "Or, in that light, New arts! Dithyrambic, audience-as-artists!" This suggests a shift towards new forms of art that are dynamic, ecstatic, and participatory, where the audience is not merely passive but actively involved in the creation process. The term "dithyrambic" refers to an ancient Greek form of impassioned, choral poetry, often associated with Dionysian rituals. By invoking this term, Oppen seems to suggest a desire for art that is spontaneous, communal, and deeply emotional—an art that blurs the lines between creator and audience.

However, the speaker quickly shifts focus, emphasizing the importance of listening and speaking on a more individual, human level: "But I will listen to a man, I will listen to a man, and when I speak I will speak, tho he will fail and I will fail. But I will listen to him speak." Here, Oppen underscores the value of personal communication and the willingness to engage with others, even in the face of inevitable failure. The repetition of "I will listen to a man" highlights the speaker's commitment to this process of mutual listening and speaking, acknowledging that while both parties are likely to fail in fully expressing or understanding one another, the act of engagement itself remains crucial.

The poem then critiques the "shuffling of a crowd," which Oppen dismisses as "nothing—well, nothing but the many that we are, but nothing." This line conveys a sense of the anonymity and lack of substance that can characterize large groups of people, particularly in urban environments. The "shuffling" suggests a lack of direction or purpose, a mere movement without meaningful connection. While the crowd is composed of "the many that we are," it is ultimately reduced to "nothing," reflecting the existential void that can arise from being lost in a faceless mass.

Oppen continues with a reflection on "Urban art, art of the cities, art of the young in the cities," which he contrasts with the "isolated man" who is "dead, his world around him exhausted." This contrast highlights the vitality and energy of urban art, driven by the youth in cities, against the backdrop of the isolated individual whose world has become depleted and worn out. The "isolated man" symbolizes a figure who is disconnected, unable to find meaning or renewal in his surroundings, and thus rendered ineffective or obsolete.

The poem then returns to the theme of failure: "And he fails! He fails, that meditative man!" Oppen seems to lament the inability of the reflective, introspective individual to find success or fulfillment in the modern world. The exclamation marks emphasize the certainty and inevitability of this failure. The "meditative man"—perhaps representing the traditional artist or thinker—struggles to maintain relevance in an environment that values immediacy, collective experience, and dynamic, urban art forms.

Finally, Oppen concludes with a poignant observation: "And indeed they cannot ‘bear’ it." This line suggests that society at large, particularly the younger, urban generation, cannot tolerate or support the isolated, meditative figure. The quotation marks around "bear" may imply a certain disdain or impatience with the introspective, solitary approach to life and art, further emphasizing the disconnect between the individual and the collective in the modern urban context.

In "Of Being Numerous: 10," Oppen explores the challenges of communication, the role of art in urban life, and the struggle of the individual to find meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world. The poem reflects on the failures inherent in both personal and artistic expression, while also acknowledging the importance of continuing to engage, listen, and speak despite these challenges. Through its concise, evocative language, the poem invites readers to consider the complexities of living in a world where the individual and the collective are often at odds, and where the search for meaning and connection is fraught with difficulty but remains essential.

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