Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Charles Olson's "Concerning Exaggeration, or How, Properly, to Heap Up," the poem unfolds as an exploration of intensity, myth, and the layering of meaning. Olson’s poem is an ambitious, somewhat philosophical meditation on human nature, mythological heritage, and the modern tendency to either simplify or sensationalize complex truths. Through an assortment of ancient allusions, personal reflections, and rhetorical questions, Olson pushes back against a reductive or superficial understanding of history and experience, urging instead for an acceptance of complexity and depth.

The poem opens with an advisory tone, urging circumspection, especially concerning "blood" and other intense or elemental aspects of life. Blood here is both literal and symbolic, representing life, lineage, violence, and the emotional charge carried in stories told through generations. Olson’s admonition to be "circumspect" about blood alludes to the charged nature of what "has been cried in the streets," a phrase that could refer to anything from protest and revolution to the unfiltered spread of sensational stories. Olson thus begins by urging readers to avoid hyperbole and oversimplification in matters as complex as human life and history.

He writes, "I am not my parts. I am one system, affect all others," a line that gestures to the interwoven nature of individual existence within a broader, interconnected system. This interconnectedness underscores a theme of unity and holistic identity, where each part of a person is not isolated but exists as part of a larger, symbiotic whole. This line connects with Olson's suggestion that true understanding requires acknowledging the whole rather than focusing on isolated elements.

Olson then delves into mythological references, recounting variations of mythic births, betrayals, and transformations. He speaks of ancient figures who "came up out of a wave" or were "hid in his father’s thigh." These mythic allusions suggest a lineage of creation, origin stories that are neither straightforward nor devoid of conflict. By invoking such figures, Olson evokes a sense of continuity, linking human experience with the timeless, often paradoxical nature of myth. His references to gods and legendary figures suggest that the essence of humanity—its complexities, desires, and contradictions—has been etched across history in tales that reveal more about human nature than they do about the gods themselves.

In one instance, Olson narrates a story about a man who killed a friend over “some silver plate,” hinting at the intersection of human failings, greed, and violence. His choice to recount the story in such a stark and unembellished way reflects his thematic focus on real consequences rather than the glamorization of violence. Olson is interested in the raw, often uncomfortable truths embedded in human stories—elements that cannot be understood if they are oversimplified or exaggerated.

The poem’s third section centers on a figure Olson describes as possessing “a hawk on the back of his neck,” symbolizing a visionary leader who draws upon forces greater than his own. This leader’s imagery, blending both animal and human attributes, suggests an individual who has achieved a synthesis of instinct and intellect, embodying a balance that Olson seems to hold in high esteem. Here, Olson presents the leader as both grounded and transcendent, someone who “was recognizing other force than that which one might call his own.” This statement ties into the poem’s broader theme of humility and respect for forces larger than oneself, implying that wisdom lies not in dominance but in understanding and reverence for external forces.

As the poem continues, Olson shifts to personal and surreal reflections, recounting dreams of mythic creatures and centaur-like figures. Through these images, Olson illustrates the power of imagination to expand the boundaries of perception and identity. He seems to suggest that the search for knowledge or truth often leads one into ambiguous, transformative experiences, much like the dream-world he depicts. These images emphasize the importance of embracing ambiguity and multiplicity, a theme that runs through Olson’s work as he navigates the boundaries between myth, reality, and selfhood.

In the final section, Olson considers the concept of “dignity” as something distinct from "realism" and cautions against a superficial, straightforward approach to understanding. He observes that the "straight-on" approach might overlook the complexity inherent in human experience. Instead, he advocates for an acceptance of ambiguity, likening dignity to the allowance of mystery, distortion, and depth. For Olson, dignity seems to be rooted in a willingness to engage with the layered, often contradictory aspects of existence, recognizing that true understanding demands a balance between order and chaos, as well as an openness to interpretation.

"Concerning Exaggeration" concludes on a note that circles back to the notion of restraint and awareness. Olson calls for “circumspection” in understanding moments of intensity, observing that even fundamental elements like “blood, breath, head” demand an attentive and cautious approach. Here, Olson’s emphasis on circumspection suggests that wisdom lies in a thoughtful balance, one that respects the power of such elements without reducing them to mere sensationalism or hyperbole. This balanced approach, he implies, requires an equal measure of humility and depth—a willingness to engage with life as a complex system of interconnected forces.

In this poem, Olson presents an almost meditative analysis of how humanity should approach its deepest truths and histories. He stresses the importance of depth, humility, and caution in interpreting the intricate web of human experience, myth, and history. Olson’s language is dense with mythological, historical, and personal references, reflecting his belief in the importance of respecting complexity rather than reducing it to simplistic or exaggerated terms. Through this intricate weaving of themes, Olson advocates for a perspective that values integrity and humility in the search for truth.

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