Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Of Being Numerous: 16," George Oppen draws upon biblical and existential themes to explore the complexities of labor, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of human experience. The passage presents a series of paradoxical statements that reflect on the conditions under which individuals find meaning, redemption, and continuity in life. Through these statements, Oppen engages with ideas of responsibility, suffering, and the ways in which people are connected to their past and future.

The poem begins with a quote, “. . . he who will not work shall not eat," which echoes a biblical admonition found in the New Testament (2 Thessalonians 3:10). This line establishes the idea that labor is essential for survival; those who refuse to work cannot expect to benefit from the fruits of labor. In this context, work is not merely a means of subsistence but a moral obligation that ties one's existence to the broader community and to the cycle of life.

The next line, "and only he who was troubled shall find rest," introduces the concept of suffering as a prerequisite for peace or rest. It suggests that only those who have experienced turmoil or hardship can truly appreciate or attain rest, implying that struggle is an inherent part of the human condition and that rest is not simply given but earned through enduring life's difficulties.

The following statement, "and only he who descends into the nether world shall rescue his beloved," invokes the mythological and religious motif of descent into the underworld, a journey often associated with trials, death, and the quest for redemption or salvation. This line could reference the story of Orpheus or even Christ’s descent into Hell, where the hero or savior must face the darkest parts of existence to save or reclaim what is most dear to them. It suggests that true love or the ultimate rescue of the beloved requires a confrontation with the deepest, most painful aspects of existence.

The line "and only he who unsheathes his knife shall be given Isaac again" references the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac from the Book of Genesis, where Abraham is commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac. At the last moment, Isaac is spared, and a ram is provided as a substitute. This line suggests that ultimate faith, demonstrated by the willingness to make the most extreme sacrifice, leads to the preservation or return of what is most valued. The act of unsheathing the knife symbolizes the readiness to carry out a difficult duty, and in doing so, one is paradoxically rewarded by not having to go through with it.

The repetition of "He who will not work shall not eat" emphasizes the importance of labor and responsibility, reinforcing the connection between effort and reward, both in a physical and a moral sense.

The final paradox, "but he who will work shall give birth to his own father," offers a profound reflection on the cyclical nature of existence and the continuity between generations. This line suggests that through labor and effort, individuals not only sustain themselves but also contribute to the regeneration of life, to the point where they metaphorically give birth to their own origins. It implies a reversal of the natural order, where the act of working and creating leads to a reconnection with one's past, or perhaps a re-creation of it. The father, typically a symbol of origin and authority, is here depicted as the product of the laborer's work, suggesting that through work, one redefines and perpetuates their lineage, creating a continuity that transcends time.

In "Of Being Numerous: 16," Oppen weaves together biblical references and existential musings to explore the themes of work, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of life. The poem challenges readers to consider the deeper implications of labor and responsibility, suggesting that through these acts, individuals not only sustain themselves but also engage in a profound process of renewal and continuity. The paradoxical statements invite reflection on the ways in which suffering, sacrifice, and effort shape human experience and connect individuals to both their past and their future. Through these complex ideas, Oppen continues his exploration of the conditions of being numerous, where individual actions resonate within the broader cycles of existence.

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