Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Evil: 2," Charles Olson explores the concept of evil as a parasitic force, a presence that relies on others' energies to sustain itself. This piece resonates with the psychological and existential undercurrents Olson often explores, as he presents evil not as an independent, autonomous entity but as something dependent, drawing sustenance from the vitality of others. The speaker’s initial reaction to this creature— “it wasn’t quite what my skin told me”—indicates an intuitive sense of distrust or discomfort that transcends intellectual understanding. There is an instinctual aversion, a visceral response that underscores how this “evil” is felt deeply, beyond rationalization.

The figure at the center of the poem, who "feeds on the energy of others," is characterized not as a monstrous entity but rather as a subtle manipulator, someone who "creates the stones he eats." This enigmatic line suggests that this being’s survival hinges on generating and then consuming obstacles, difficulties, or burdens. Stones, often symbolic of obstacles or inert matter, are paradoxically both created and consumed by this figure, emphasizing a closed cycle of self-generated limitations. Olson’s portrayal hints at a destructive cycle: the figure of evil sustains itself only by conjuring negativity or difficulty, becoming trapped in a loop of its own making.

The line “There is creation which is stone” presents creation itself in a stark, almost nihilistic light. Rather than something generative or life-giving, this form of creation is cold and lifeless, embodying stasis rather than growth. Olson seems to suggest that certain acts of creation—those born from selfishness or dependency on others’ energy—result in “stone,” something heavy and devoid of vitality. In this sense, Olson’s evil is a self-limiting force, feeding on its own creations of emptiness and inertia, lacking any capacity for true, autonomous growth or transformation.

Thus, "Evil: 2" can be seen as a contemplation on the cyclical nature of self-generated negativity. Olson proposes that evil is not merely a force acting upon others but a self-consuming cycle, locked in by its own inability to generate anything beyond lifeless “stone.” The poem invites reflection on how harmful forces often derive their power from dependency and limitation, unable to break free from the inertia they themselves perpetuate.

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