Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Of Being Numerous: 19," George Oppen continues his exploration of the normalization of violence and the moral decay within modern society, particularly focusing on the intersection of power, technology, and the consequences of detached, "casual" decision-making. The poem presents a chilling commentary on the use of helicopters—symbols of military power and surveillance—and the destructive, often arbitrary decisions made by those in positions of authority.

The poem begins with the line, "Now in the helicopters the casual will / Is atrocious," which immediately sets a tone of horror and disbelief. The "casual will" suggests a kind of detached, indifferent decision-making by those who wield power, where the consequences of their actions—often involving violence or destruction—are carried out with a disturbing lack of seriousness or moral consideration. The word "atrocious" underscores the horrific nature of these actions, highlighting the dissonance between the casual attitude of those in power and the devastating impact of their decisions.

Oppen then describes this as "Insanity in high places," pointing to the irrationality and moral bankruptcy that can occur when power is concentrated in the hands of a few. "High places" refers not only to the literal altitude of helicopters but also to the metaphorical heights of political and military authority. The insanity described here is not just a loss of reason, but a profound ethical failure—a willingness to commit atrocities without fully grappling with their moral implications.

The line "If it is true we must do these things / We must cut our throats" is a powerful and paradoxical statement. It suggests that if the atrocities being committed are indeed necessary or justified, then the only logical response would be self-destruction—an acknowledgment that such actions are so fundamentally wrong that they undermine the very humanity of those who carry them out. The image of cutting one's throat evokes a sense of finality and despair, implying that participation in such morally bankrupt actions leaves no other option but self-destruction.

The poem then introduces the metaphor of "The fly in the bottle," which is a reference to Ludwig Wittgenstein's philosophical analogy about the limitations of language and understanding. The fly, trapped in the bottle, represents a creature that is confined, unable to escape its situation despite frantic efforts. Oppen's use of this metaphor suggests a sense of entrapment or futility, where individuals—or perhaps society as a whole—are caught in a cycle of violence and destruction, unable to find a way out.

The phrase "Insane, the insane fly" reinforces this sense of madness and desperation. The repetition of "insane" emphasizes the irrationality of the situation, where the fly, driven by its instinct to escape, continues to struggle in vain. This reflects the broader theme of the poem, where those in power, despite their authority and technological prowess, are trapped in a cycle of irrational and destructive behavior.

Finally, Oppen concludes with a haunting image: "Which, over the city / Is the bright light of shipwreck." This line evokes the idea of a disaster—a shipwreck—illuminated by a bright light, visible over the city. The helicopter, a symbol of power and surveillance, becomes associated with this shipwreck, suggesting that the actions of those in power are leading to inevitable catastrophe. The "bright light" could symbolize the visibility of this destruction, a glaring testament to the consequences of the "casual will" that drives such atrocities.

In "Of Being Numerous: 19," George Oppen offers a powerful critique of the intersection of power, technology, and moral responsibility. The poem reflects on the insanity of decision-making in high places, where violence and destruction are carried out with a disturbing detachment. Through his vivid imagery and philosophical allusions, Oppen explores the themes of entrapment, futility, and the ethical failures of those who hold power. The poem serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of casual, indifferent authority and the catastrophic consequences that can result from such a mindset.

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