Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Of Being Numerous: 17," George Oppen delves into the complexities of language, existence, and the overwhelming nature of modern life. The poem grapples with the challenges of communication in a world where meaning seems increasingly elusive, and where the sheer number of people creates a sense of disconnection and anonymity. Oppen's use of fragmented imagery and philosophical reflection invites readers to consider the difficulty of articulating the reality of one's life in an environment that feels both chaotic and detached from deeper truths.

The poem begins with the line, "The roots of words / Dim in the subways," which evokes the idea that the fundamental meanings of words—what Oppen refers to as their "roots"—have become obscured or lost in the urban environment, symbolized by the subways. The subway, a space of constant motion and anonymity, serves as a metaphor for the modern world, where language and communication have become detached from their original, deeper meanings. The "dim" roots suggest that while the origins of words still exist, they are difficult to perceive or access in this context.

Oppen then introduces the idea of "madness in the number / Of the living," reflecting on the overwhelming nature of living in a world populated by countless individuals. The phrase "a state of matter" can be interpreted as a scientific or philosophical observation, suggesting that life, in its sheer volume and multiplicity, has become a kind of physical phenomenon—something to be measured or quantified rather than understood in human terms. This line conveys a sense of alienation, as if the vast number of people reduces each individual's significance, making existence feel almost like an impersonal, material state rather than a uniquely human experience.

The poem then shifts to a colloquial, almost humorous phrase: "There is nobody here but us chickens." This expression, derived from a popular joke, is often used to suggest that there is no need to worry or that things are not as serious as they might seem. However, in the context of the poem, it takes on a more ironic tone, perhaps suggesting a denial or trivialization of the deeper existential concerns at play. The phrase may also imply a sense of helplessness or absurdity in the face of the overwhelming complexity of modern life, where profound questions are met with simplistic or dismissive responses.

Oppen follows this with the term "Anti-ontology," a rejection or critique of ontology, the philosophical study of being and existence. By invoking "anti-ontology," Oppen might be pointing to the difficulty or impossibility of defining or understanding existence in a world that feels rootless and fragmented. This term aligns with the poem's theme of struggling to articulate the reality of life in an environment where traditional concepts of being seem inadequate or irrelevant.

The poem continues with a poignant observation: "He wants to say / His life is real, / No one can say why." This line captures the fundamental human desire to affirm the reality and significance of one's own life, even when it is difficult to find a rationale or justification for that reality. The statement reflects the existential challenge of finding meaning or truth in a world that often seems indifferent or incoherent. The simplicity of the phrase "His life is real" contrasts with the complexity and uncertainty that follow, highlighting the tension between the need for affirmation and the lack of clear answers.

Oppen then acknowledges the difficulty of communication: "It is not easy to speak." This line succinctly expresses the struggle to articulate one's thoughts and experiences in a world where language has become disconnected from meaning, where words are "rootless." The phrase "A ferocious mumbling, in public / Of rootless speech" further emphasizes this struggle, depicting a form of communication that is intense and urgent yet ultimately incoherent or disconnected from its intended meaning. The image of "mumbling" suggests a failure to communicate clearly or effectively, while "rootless speech" reinforces the idea that language has lost its grounding, its connection to deeper truths or realities.

In "Of Being Numerous: 17," George Oppen explores the challenges of language, existence, and identity in the modern world. The poem reflects on the difficulty of finding meaning and articulating one's reality in an environment where words have lost their connection to their origins and where the sheer number of people creates a sense of madness and alienation. Through his use of fragmented imagery and philosophical reflection, Oppen invites readers to consider the complexities of communication and the existential struggle to affirm the reality of one's life in a world that often feels overwhelming and disconnected from deeper meaning.

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