Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Bigmans II," Charles Olson delves into the mythic and moral weight of leadership, power, and collective responsibility. The poem reads as a meditation on the transformation of raw, overpowering force into a guiding strength that serves not only the individual but the broader society. Through this exploration, Olson uses the character of "Bigmans" as both a symbol of unrestrained power and as a cautionary figure for the potential pitfalls of unchecked individualism.

The poem opens with a reverence for learning from the past. Olson urges "my land" to heed the lessons of one who has seen "everything" and "sought out to know what lands are for." This initiates a dialogue on the use and misuse of power, calling attention to the necessity of wisdom and restraint in guiding human endeavors toward collective benefit. Olson praises the figure who would "cut down the dirty tree" and "turn to fruitfulness after the wastings," aligning this individual with the transformative force of renewal. Here, the tree becomes a metaphor for corruption, a source of filth that poisons the natural order. The imagery evokes the labor of purging and revitalizing, a return to purity and utility through discernment and sacrifice.

Bigmans, the titular figure, embodies both physical prowess and a deep well of potential—qualities admired by the community and seen as essential for a leader. Olson describes Bigmans as a giant figure who built a protective wall around the newly established land. The wall, described as "shining like flesh," stands as a testament to human achievement, symbolizing a space where people might find renewal and safety after societal failings. This wall, fortified and revered, represents not only physical strength but a moral boundary, separating the productive, clean land from the murkiness of previous wrongdoing. In creating this space, Bigmans earns the admiration of even the children, who bring newcomers to him and speak of him with awe.

Yet, Olson complicates the narrative by exploring Bigmans's downfall, illustrating how his strength and influence begin to morph into arrogance and isolation. Initially, his immense presence, his ability to "shape weapons," and his knowledge make him a revered protector and innovator. But over time, his strength turns inward, alienating him from his community and inciting fear rather than respect. The community begins to resent Bigmans, perceiving him as a "furious ox" whose "muscularity offends our other lives." Olson paints a portrait of a leader consumed by self-interest, disregarding the needs of those he once served. Bigmans's transformation reflects the peril of unchecked power, which, if not tempered by humility and accountability, leads to tyranny and isolation.

Olson critiques this form of leadership, suggesting that true strength lies not in sheer dominance but in the ability to coexist harmoniously with others. The people plea for "one other man to equal Bigmans," a counterpart who could challenge and balance him, restoring the community’s equilibrium. In seeking another figure of "impetuous heart," Olson presents a vision of leadership rooted in duality and collaboration. Rather than exalting one dominant force, the community desires balance—a counterweight to Bigmans’s overpowering influence that would provide them with "some rest."

Throughout "Bigmans II," Olson interweaves natural imagery and mythological references, invoking the cyclical patterns of renewal, cooperation, and conflict. He writes of an idealized past where “each man a stem, from pride in his own wildness put to use,” a world of unity where men and women are bound by mutual respect and shared purpose. This nostalgic vision underscores the tragedy of Bigmans’s estrangement from his community, for he once seemed capable of guiding them toward such harmony. Olson’s mythic framework amplifies the consequences of Bigmans's failure, casting his downfall not merely as a personal tragedy but as a disruption to the natural and social order.

In the end, Olson’s "Bigmans II" speaks to the tensions between individualism and communal responsibility, warning of the dangers inherent in a leadership that values personal strength over collective good. Through the character of Bigmans, Olson explores the complexities of power, revealing how easily it can slip from constructive force to corrosive influence. The poem ultimately advocates for a vision of leadership grounded in balance, humility, and an enduring commitment to the welfare of the community. In calling for "another man to equal Bigmans," Olson envisions a society where power is not hoarded but shared, where strength is tempered by wisdom, and where the leader’s purpose is not self-aggrandizement but the creation of a space in which others may thrive.

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