In Dark Again in Wonder: The Poetry of Ren Char and George Oppen

Delve into the profound depths of 20th-century poetry with Robert Baker's "In Dark Again in Wonder: The Poetry of Ren Char and George Oppen." This illuminating study, published by the University of Notre Dame Press in 2012, explores the intersecting and divergent paths of two significant modernist poets: the French surrealist Ren Char and the American objectivist George Oppen. Baker masterfully unveils the intricate connections between their works, revealing how both poets grappled with the complexities of modern existence, the weight of history, and the enduring search for meaning. "In Dark Again in Wonder" doesn't simply present a biographical or chronological account of Char and Oppen. Instead, Baker provides insightful readings of their poetry, highlighting their shared concerns while acknowledging their distinct styles. He meticulously examines their early recognition within influential literary circles Char's association with the surrealist movement in the 1930s and Oppen's role in the objectivist school of the same era. The book emphasizes how, despite their initial affiliations, both poets ultimately forged their own unique artistic identities, stepping away from prescribed ideologies to pursue their individual visions. A central theme explored in this study is the impact of social and political upheaval on Char and Oppen's work. The book details how both poets responded decisively to the turbulent 1930s and 40s. Oppen's commitment to radical politics led to a lengthy hiatus from writing poetry, while Char actively participated in the French Resistance during World War II. Baker analyzes how these experiences shaped their mature poetic voices, transforming their verses into profound reflections on love, meditation, and encounter. Beyond their immediate historical context, Baker positions Char and Oppen within a broader cultural landscape. He examines the tension between historical and metaphysical perspectives that permeates their work, connecting it to the ongoing dialogue between sociological and existential understandings of human life. The book argues that Char and Oppen grappled with timeless philosophical questions: the pursuit of spiritual freedom, the confrontation with mortality, the quest for wholeness, the role of nature in modernity, and the exploration of love and eros as sources of vision. Baker meticulously demonstrates how these poets, while deeply engaged with the social realities of their time, simultaneously sought answers to fundamental questions about the human condition, seeking to find a path towards the "good life" amid the complexities of the modern world. Baker's analysis goes further by looking into what differentiates the poets. For example, Rene Char's involvement with the French resistance helped to define his later works, and Baker highlights the key moments of the war that are referenced in Char's poetry. The work then contrasts that with Oppen's departure from writing poetry for many years, and considers that the impact of war and politics on this life might have had a negative rather than positive impact on his creativity. This comparative analysis of the different life circumstances and the impacts of these circumstances on the respective creative process is what sets this book apart. "In Dark Again in Wonder" offers a compelling and nuanced exploration of two of the 20th century's most important poets. It's an invaluable resource for scholars and students of modernism, poetry, and literary criticism, offering fresh insights into the enduring power of language to illuminate the human experience. It is also a fascinating read for anyone interested in how personal experiences and philosophies can shape artistic expression, specifically around major historical events and their impact on people's lives and thinking. This paperback edition provides a readily accessible gateway into the minds and works of Ren Char and George Oppen, guided by the insightful analysis of Robert Baker.