Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Charles Olson?s "To Try to Get Down One Citizen As Against Another" is a minimalist yet incisive commentary on interpersonal conflict and the impact of human behavior on the shared environment. The poem employs stark brevity to amplify its critique of divisive tendencies within communities, emphasizing how such acts disrupt both the physical and emotional fabric of a collective space.

Olson begins with the phrase "to bug," immediately establishing the poem’s focus on an act of annoyance or interference. The word carries multiple connotations, from the literal disruption caused by an insect to the more abstract sense of provoking, spying on, or aggravating someone. The poem?s framing suggests that "to bug" is an intentional and calculated act, labeled as "an act of intelligence." This attribution of intelligence is biting in its irony; it critiques the misuse of human ingenuity to sow discord rather than foster understanding or collaboration.

The poem contrasts this "act of intelligence" with the behavior of "less persons," a phrase that likely critiques those who lack awareness or restraint in their actions. These individuals are described as disorganizing "the air for city blocks," an evocative image that conveys the far-reaching consequences of their compulsive tendencies. The phrase "disorganize the air" suggests a disturbance that goes beyond mere noise; it implies a disruption of harmony, order, and the shared atmosphere—both literal and metaphorical—that binds a community.

By setting "to bug" against the broader disarray caused by "less persons," Olson draws attention to the different scales of harm that individuals can inflict. While "to bug" may seem subtle or deliberate, the compulsions of the less aware are portrayed as chaotic and indiscriminate, capable of affecting entire city blocks. This dichotomy underscores the destructive potential of both calculated malice and thoughtless behavior, highlighting the fragility of social and environmental cohesion.

Despite its brevity, the poem resonates with Olson’s broader concerns about the dynamics of human interaction and the structures of community. The disruption of air, a fundamental and shared resource, serves as a metaphor for the ways in which divisive actions undermine collective well-being. The poem suggests that such disruptions—whether deliberate or impulsive—are antithetical to the principles of coexistence and mutual respect that underpin a functioning society.

"To Try to Get Down One Citizen As Against Another" is a sharp, compact reflection on the ripple effects of human actions. Olson’s sparse language heightens the poem’s impact, leaving readers to consider the weight of their own behaviors and the ways in which they contribute to or detract from the harmony of their surroundings. In just a few lines, Olson captures the essence of a universal truth: that the smallest actions can have profound consequences for the collective whole.

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