Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Population," George Oppen explores the theme of human existence within the vast, often overwhelming context of the collective—what he refers to as the "population." The poem reflects on the tension between individual identity and the broader, impersonal mass of humanity, using the imagery of the sea and the ship to evoke feelings of isolation, violence, and the relentless passage of time.

The poem begins with a comparison to a "flat sea," a metaphor for the expansive, unyielding nature of the world in which we find ourselves. The phrase "Here is where we are" suggests a moment of realization or confrontation with this vastness. This sea is described as being "empty reaches / Empty of ourselves," implying a sense of detachment or alienation. The emptiness here is both literal and metaphorical, representing not only the physical space but also the psychological and emotional void that can exist within the collective human experience.

Oppen then introduces the elements of "dark, light, sound" as forces that "Shatter the mind born / Alone to ocean." These elements, which typically define our sensory experience of the world, are depicted as overwhelming, capable of breaking down the individual's sense of self. The mind, "born / Alone to ocean," emphasizes the isolation of the individual in the face of these vast, uncontrollable forces. The ocean, a recurring symbol in Oppen's work, often represents the unconscious or the collective human experience—vast, deep, and difficult to comprehend fully.

Despite this sense of isolation, the speaker acknowledges that "we are / A crowd, a population," a recognition that we are not truly alone but part of a larger mass of humanity. This "population" includes "those / Born, those not yet dead," encompassing both the living and the deceased, as well as the yet-to-be-born. This line reflects the continuity of human existence, where each moment is populated by a transient crowd, ever-changing as life progresses.

The poem's imagery shifts to that of a ship, where the "moment's / Populace" is described as "sea-borne and violent." This suggests that the population is not only vast but also turbulent, driven by forces beyond individual control. The idea of being "sea-borne" conveys a sense of being carried along by the tides of existence, while "violent" reflects the inherent conflicts and struggles within the collective human experience.

The phrase "finding / Incredibly under the sense the rough deck" introduces a moment of realization or discovery. Beneath the overwhelming sensory experience—the "sense" of dark, light, and sound—there is something tangible, "the rough deck," which symbolizes the foundation or reality that supports this population. The deck is "inhabited," suggesting that despite the sense of emptiness or detachment, there is a real, shared existence beneath the surface.

Finally, Oppen concludes with the idea that this deck, this foundation of shared human experience, is "what it always was." This line conveys a sense of continuity and permanence, suggesting that despite the overwhelming nature of existence, the fundamental aspects of human life—connection, struggle, and the shared experience—remain constant throughout time.

"Population" by George Oppen is a meditation on the nature of human existence within the collective. The poem explores the tension between individual isolation and the inescapable reality of being part of a larger, often tumultuous population. Through the imagery of the sea and the ship, Oppen reflects on the overwhelming forces that shape human experience and the enduring, though often elusive, foundation that connects us all. The poem invites readers to consider their place within the vastness of humanity, recognizing both the isolation and the inherent connection that defines our shared existence.

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