Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In George Oppen's "Who Shall Doubt," the reader is led through a condensed yet expansive exploration of consciousness, reality, and perhaps love. The poem navigates the complexities of being aware and existing in the real world, posing questions about the nature of actuality. The poem starts by directly addressing "consciousness," indicating that this is the main theme we'll be dealing with. However, it doesn't stop at merely identifying consciousness; it goes on to describe it as being "in itself / of itself carrying / 'the principle / of the actual.'"

This layered definition of consciousness suggests a rich, multifaceted quality. It isn't just about awareness or self-awareness but also includes the essence of what makes something real-"the principle of the actual." This seems to suggest that consciousness is not merely a passive state but an active, actualizing force. In short, consciousness makes things real. Here, Oppen provides a framework for understanding existence that goes beyond mere being. The very nature of consciousness involves a dynamic interaction with reality, underpinned by a principle that enforces its actuality.

Just when the reader is deep into metaphysical pondering, the poem takes a surprising turn with the line "(but maybe this is a love / poem / Mary)." It's a delightful break in the stream of philosophical inquiry, implicating love as a form of ultimate consciousness or reality. The insertion of the name "Mary" personalizes this abstract discourse, hinting that the consciousness being discussed could be a shared one between two people in love. In essence, love may be another form of understanding and experiencing actuality.

Following this detour, the poem returns to its main course by stating, "nevertheless / neither / the power / of the self nor the racing / car nor the lilly / is sweet but this." The word "nevertheless" indicates a resumption or a return to a previous point, but the topic has subtly shifted. Now we're introduced to three different entities-the self, a racing car, and a lily-each representing different aspects of existence: internal, mechanical, and natural. Yet, Oppen tells us that none of these is "sweet but this."

The ambiguous "this" could refer to many things: consciousness, the actualizing principle, the experience of love, or all of these combined. The reader is left to consider what the ultimate "sweetness" or essence of existence may be. By ending on this note, Oppen opens up a realm of possibilities, suggesting that the "sweetness" of life may lie in the constant quest for understanding our conscious experience, whether that's through philosophical introspection or the intimate realm of love.

The structure of "Who Shall Doubt" is instrumental in representing the complexities of consciousness, from its fragmented and ever-changing nature to its overlapping with emotional realities like love. It allows for an interactive reading experience that mimics the act of conscious thinking, inviting the reader to ponder the many facets of existence and the human psyche.

Overall, "Who Shall Doubt" operates on multiple levels, engaging both the intellect and the heart. It questions what it means to be conscious and existentially present, thereby providing a textured framework that combines abstract thought with emotional reality. The poem leaves us wondering about the complexities of our existence, conscious or otherwise, and whether the key to unlocking the "actual" may be as simple-or as intricate-as love.

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