Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

George Oppen's "Armies of the Plain" is a complex and fragmented poem that delves into the themes of identity, conflict, and the ambiguous nature of heroism and suffering. Through its sparse language and stark imagery, the poem explores the experiences of those who are caught in the throes of history and violence, focusing on the figure of the soldier and the weight of cultural and existential inheritance.

The poem begins with a powerful and unsettling statement: "'A zero, a nothing': / Assassin." This opening line immediately challenges the reader's perception, suggesting that what might be considered "nothing" or insignificant—the assassin—carries a profound and deadly weight. The use of the word "assassin" is jarring, invoking a sense of cold, calculated violence. Yet, the following lines, "Not nothing. At nineteen / Crossing frontiers," reveal that this figure is not merely an abstraction but a young soldier, a "rifleman of the suffering / Irremediable suffering." Here, Oppen introduces the idea of suffering as something inevitable and irreparable, a burden that the soldier carries as he crosses frontiers—both literal and metaphorical.

The phrase "rifleman of the suffering" suggests that the soldier is both a participant in and a witness to the pain and destruction that war brings. He is "of the not-great," a representative of the countless nameless individuals who fight and die in wars, often without recognition or glory. Oppen contrasts this figure with the traditional notion of the hero, describing him as both "Hero and anti hero / Of our time." This duality reflects the complex nature of modern warfare, where the lines between heroism and villainy, righteousness and atrocity, are often blurred.

The poem continues with an acknowledgment of the cost of war: "Despite all he has cost us / And he may have cost us very much." This line speaks to the immense human and moral toll that war exacts on society. The soldier, though a product of his time and circumstances, carries a heavy burden—both for himself and for the world that has sent him to fight. Oppen's use of the word "cost" emphasizes the transactional nature of war, where lives and principles are exchanged for uncertain gains.

In the second section of the poem, Oppen shifts focus to a figure named Ruby and the reference to "Bloomsday." Ruby, who is "Proud to have learned survival / On the harsh plains," embodies resilience and the ability to endure in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The mention of "Bloomsday" is significant, as it references the day on which James Joyce's “Ulysses” is set, a novel that explores the complexities of identity, history, and the modern world. By invoking Bloomsday, Oppen situates Ruby within a broader cultural and literary context, connecting the individual's struggle for survival to the broader narrative of human experience.

The poem's exploration of Jewish identity is introduced with the line, "A man / 'Of the Jewish faith’ and it is so stupid.'" This statement is abrupt and seemingly self-contradictory, reflecting the tension and discomfort that often accompanies discussions of identity, particularly in the context of history and persecution. The phrase "and it is so stupid" suggests a deep frustration or disillusionment, possibly with the way identity is defined, perceived, or imposed by society.

Oppen continues by reflecting on the contributions of "Whose people wrote / Greatly," acknowledging the cultural and intellectual achievements of the Jewish people, even as they have faced "Desperate the not great," a reference to those who are not celebrated or recognized. The poem then compares this experience to that of "Oswald the not great / Locked / In combat," drawing a parallel between historical or mythological figures and the ordinary individuals who are caught in the cycles of violence and conflict.

"Armies of the Plain" concludes with an image of combat, where those who are "not great" are "Locked / In combat." This ending reinforces the poem's theme of struggle—both internal and external—and the idea that greatness is often found not in grand victories or heroic deeds, but in the resilience and endurance of those who fight and suffer in obscurity. The poem's fragmented structure and stark language reflect the fragmented and often harsh reality of the modern world, where identities are contested, and the line between hero and anti-hero is often indistinguishable.

Through "Armies of the Plain," Oppen challenges readers to confront the uncomfortable realities of war, identity, and suffering. He presents a world where the grand narratives of heroism and greatness are questioned, and where the true cost of conflict is measured not in victories, but in the lives and souls of those who are caught in its grasp. The poem's complexity and ambiguity invite reflection on the nature of modern existence, where the boundaries between the personal and the historical, the individual and the collective, are constantly shifting and evolving.

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