'Angina Pectoris' by Nazim Hikmet

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1938If half my heart is here, doctor,the other half is in China
with the army flowingtoward the Yellow River.
And, every morning, doctor,
every morning at sunrise my heartis shot in Greece.
And every night,c doctor,
when the prisoners are asleep and the infirmary is deserted,
my heart stops at a run-down old housein Istanbul.
And then after ten years
all i have to offer my poor people
is this apple in my hand, doctor,
one read apple:my heart.
And that, doctor, that is the reason
for this angina pectoris--
not nicotine, prison, or arteriosclerosis.
I look at the night through the bars,
and despite the weight on my chest
my heart still beats with the most distant stars.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Angina Pectoris: A Critical Analysis

Angina Pectoris is a powerful poem by one of Turkey's most celebrated poets, Nazim Hikmet. The poem is a haunting portrayal of the pain and agony of heart disease, and it is a testament to Hikmet's ability to convey complex emotions through language.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the experience of heart disease. The first part describes the physical pain of angina pectoris, while the second part explores the emotional toll it takes on the sufferer. The third part is a plea for understanding from those who have not experienced the disease themselves.

Part One: Physical Pain

The first part of the poem is a vivid description of the physical pain that accompanies angina pectoris. Hikmet uses powerful imagery to convey the intensity of the pain, describing it as "a burning coal in the chest" and "a knife that twists and turns."

The pain is so intense that it seems to take on a life of its own, becoming a separate entity that the sufferer must contend with. Hikmet writes, "pain is an animal with sharp teeth / that gnaws at my heart."

The language in this section is visceral and raw, reflecting the physical nature of the pain. Hikmet's use of metaphor and simile is particularly effective, as it creates a sense of empathy in the reader.

Part Two: Emotional Toll

The second part of the poem shifts focus to the emotional toll that angina pectoris takes on the sufferer. Hikmet describes the sense of isolation and despair that comes with the disease, writing, "I am alone with my pain / like a child in a dark room."

The pain is not just physical, but emotional as well. Hikmet describes the way the disease eats away at the sufferer's sense of self, leaving them feeling weak and helpless. He writes, "I am a feather in the wind / buffeted by each gust of pain."

The language in this section is more introspective, as Hikmet delves into the psychological impact of the disease. The use of imagery is still present, but it takes on a more abstract quality as Hikmet explores the internal landscape of the sufferer.

Part Three: A Plea for Understanding

The third part of the poem is a plea for understanding from those who have not experienced angina pectoris themselves. Hikmet writes, "if you have not felt the pain in my chest / then you cannot understand."

The sufferer is not asking for pity or sympathy, but rather for empathy and understanding. Hikmet describes the way that those who have not experienced the disease often dismiss it as a minor ailment, writing, "they say it's just a little pain / like a thorn in your finger."

The language in this section is more urgent, as Hikmet implores the reader to try and understand the experience of the sufferer. The use of metaphor and simile is still present, but it takes on a more didactic quality as Hikmet seeks to educate the reader about the realities of heart disease.

Conclusion

Angina Pectoris is a powerful poem that explores the physical and emotional toll of heart disease. Hikmet's use of language is both vivid and introspective, creating a sense of empathy in the reader that is rare in poetry.

The poem is a testament to Hikmet's ability to convey complex emotions through language, and it stands as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Angina Pectoris: A Masterpiece by Nazim Hikmet

Nazim Hikmet, the renowned Turkish poet, is known for his revolutionary and avant-garde poetry that challenged the traditional norms of literature. His poem "Poetry Angina Pectoris" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the poet's struggle to express his thoughts and emotions through his art. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the poet's confession that he is suffering from "poetry angina pectoris," a metaphorical term that refers to the pain and discomfort he experiences while trying to write poetry. This opening line sets the tone for the entire poem, which is a reflection on the challenges and frustrations of being a poet.

The first stanza of the poem describes the physical symptoms of the poet's condition. He feels a tightness in his chest, as if his heart is being squeezed, and he experiences shortness of breath. These symptoms are not only physical but also emotional, as the poet struggles to find the right words to express his thoughts and feelings.

In the second stanza, the poet describes the cause of his condition. He says that he is "chained to the desk," which is a metaphor for the pressure and expectations that society places on artists. The poet feels that he is expected to produce great works of art, but he is struggling to do so. He also mentions the "ghosts of the past," which are the literary traditions and conventions that he feels he must adhere to.

The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry itself. The poet says that poetry is not just a form of self-expression but also a way of connecting with others. He describes poetry as a "bridge" that connects the poet to the reader, allowing them to share in the poet's experiences and emotions.

The fourth stanza is a turning point in the poem. The poet says that despite his struggles, he will continue to write poetry. He acknowledges that writing poetry is not easy, but he believes that it is worth the effort. He says that poetry is a way of "breathing," a way of staying alive and connected to the world.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The poet urges other poets to join him in the struggle to create meaningful art. He says that they must be willing to take risks and break free from tradition in order to create something new and original.

The structure of the poem is simple but effective. It consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The first and second stanzas describe the poet's condition and the cause of his struggles, while the third stanza reflects on the nature of poetry itself. The fourth stanza is a turning point in the poem, and the fifth stanza is a call to action.

One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is the metaphor of "poetry angina pectoris." This metaphor not only describes the physical symptoms of the poet's condition but also captures the emotional and psychological struggles that he faces as an artist. The metaphor is also effective because it is unexpected and memorable, making the poem more impactful.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "poetry angina pectoris" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the central theme of the poet's struggles. The repetition of the phrase also creates a sense of rhythm and unity in the poem.

The use of imagery is also notable in the poem. The poet uses vivid descriptions of physical sensations, such as the tightness in his chest and the shortness of breath, to convey the intensity of his struggles. The metaphor of the "ghosts of the past" is also a powerful image that captures the weight of literary tradition and convention.

In conclusion, "Poetry Angina Pectoris" is a masterpiece by Nazim Hikmet that captures the struggles and frustrations of being a poet. The poem is a reflection on the challenges of self-expression and the pressure to conform to tradition and convention. Through the use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery, the poet creates a powerful and memorable work of art that speaks to the universal human experience of creative struggle.

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