‘Thus / Hides the’: Discrete Series and the spectre of Oppen's 1930s

Abstract

This article reads the poetic technique of George Oppen's early Discrete Series for its reflection of the widespread socio-economic disruption of the early years of the Great Depression. Readdressing the significance of Heideggerian boredom to the mood of Oppen's poetic sequence, it suggests that, while sharing certain characteristics of Heidegger's vision of modernity, Oppen's poems are able to call into question the value of its more affirmative moments. Finally, it wonders how, in light of Heidegger's significance, not only for Oppen's later poetry, but also for the post-structuralist thought with which Oppen's poetic thinking is often taken to exhibit a certain kinship, such resistance might trouble the critical narratives of Oppen's poetic development and affinities.