'XVII (Thinking, Tangling Shadows...)' by Pablo Neruda
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Thinking, tangling shadows in the deep solitude.
You are far away too, oh farther than anyone.
Thinking, freeing birds, dissolving images,
burying lamps.
Belfry of fogs, how far away, up there!
Stifling laments, milling shadowy hopes,
taciturn miller,
night falls on you face downward, far from the city.
Your presence is foreign, as strange to me as a thing.
I think, I explore great tracts of my life before you.
My life before anyone, my harsh life.
The shout facing the sea, among the rocks,
running free, mad, in the sea-spray.
The sad rage, the shout, the solitude of the sea.
Headlong, violent, stretched towards the sky.
You, woman, what were you there, what ray, what vane
of that immense fan? You were as far as you are now.
Fire in the forest! Burn in blue crosses.
Burn, burn, flame up, sparkle in trees of light.
It collapses, crackling. Fire. Fire.
And my soul dances, seared with curls of fire.
Who calls? What silence peopled with echoes?
Hour of nostalgia, hour of happiness, hour of solitude.
Hour that is mine from among them all!
Megaphone in which the wind passes singing.
Such a passion of weeping tied to my body.
Shaking of all the roots,
attack of all the waves!
My soul wandered, happy, sad, unending.
Thinking, burying lamps in the deep solitude.
Who are you, who are you?
Translated by W. S. Merwin
Submitted by Kelliope
Editor 1 Interpretation
XVII (Thinking, Tangling Shadows...) by Pablo Neruda: A Critical Analysis
Pablo Neruda's "XVII (Thinking, Tangling Shadows...)" is a poem that explores the nature of human existence and how individuals perceive the world around them. This classic poem is known for its unique structure and powerful use of language. In this literary criticism, we will analyze the central themes of the poem, the literary devices used by Neruda, and the overall impact of the poem on modern literature.
The Central Themes of the Poem
The central themes of "XVII (Thinking, Tangling Shadows...)" are the human condition, mortality, and the nature of existence. Neruda's main focus is on the way that humans perceive the world around them and how they interact with it. The poem is an exploration of the human psyche and how individuals make sense of their surroundings.
Neruda also addresses the theme of mortality in the poem. He uses the imagery of shadows to represent the fleeting nature of life. Shadows are a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of human existence. The poem emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and cherishing the time that we have.
Literary Devices Used by Neruda
One of the most notable literary devices used by Neruda in "XVII (Thinking, Tangling Shadows...)" is the use of repetition. The repetition of certain words and phrases throughout the poem creates a sense of unity and coherence. For example, the repeated use of the word "shadow" emphasizes the central theme of mortality.
Neruda also uses metaphors and imagery to convey complex ideas. The use of shadows as a metaphor for mortality is a powerful image that resonates with readers. The poem's use of imagery creates a vivid picture of the world that Neruda is describing.
Impact on Modern Literature
"XVII (Thinking, Tangling Shadows...)" has had a significant impact on modern literature. The poem's unique structure and powerful language have inspired countless poets and writers. The poem's themes of mortality and the human condition have resonated with readers for generations.
Neruda's use of language and imagery has influenced many contemporary poets. His style of writing has been emulated by writers all over the world. The poem's impact on modern literature is a testament to Neruda's skill and talent as a writer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pablo Neruda's "XVII (Thinking, Tangling Shadows...)" is a powerful poem that explores the nature of human existence. The central themes of mortality and the human condition are explored through the use of language and imagery. The poem's unique structure and powerful use of repetition have had a lasting impact on modern literature. Neruda's skill and talent as a writer are evident in this classic poem.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Pablo Neruda's poem XVII, also known as "Thinking, Tangling Shadows," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of love and the complexities that come with it. The poem is a beautiful expression of the poet's feelings towards his lover, and it is written in a way that is both passionate and introspective. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the line, "I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The poet is saying that he does not love his lover in a conventional way, as if she were a precious gem or a rare flower. Instead, his love is more profound and complex, and it cannot be compared to anything else.
The next few lines of the poem describe the poet's love in more detail. He says, "I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, / in secret, between the shadow and the soul." Here, the poet is saying that his love is like a secret, hidden in the shadows of his soul. It is something that he cannot express in words, but it is there, deep within him.
The imagery used in these lines is powerful and evocative. The idea of loving someone like a "certain dark thing" is both mysterious and alluring. It suggests that the poet's love is not something that can be easily understood or explained, but it is something that is worth exploring.
The next stanza of the poem continues this theme of hidden love. The poet says, "I love you as the plant that never blooms / but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers." Here, the poet is comparing his love to a plant that never blooms but still carries the potential for beauty within it. This metaphor suggests that the poet's love is not something that is immediately visible, but it is still there, waiting to be discovered.
The language used in this stanza is particularly beautiful. The phrase "the light of hidden flowers" is both poetic and profound. It suggests that there is a hidden beauty within the poet's love that is waiting to be uncovered.
The next few lines of the poem describe the poet's love in more detail. He says, "Thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance, / risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body." Here, the poet is saying that his lover's love has become a part of him. It has infused his body with a "solid fragrance" that is both mysterious and intoxicating.
The imagery used in these lines is particularly powerful. The idea of a fragrance rising from the earth suggests that the poet's love is rooted in something deep and primal. It is not just a superficial emotion but something that is connected to the very essence of his being.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most beautiful. The poet says, "I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where, / I love you simply, without problems or pride." Here, the poet is saying that his love is unconditional. It is not based on any particular circumstance or condition. It is simply there, pure and unadulterated.
The language used in this stanza is particularly powerful. The phrase "without problems or pride" suggests that the poet's love is not tainted by any external factors. It is not based on any particular achievement or status. It is simply there, pure and unadulterated.
In conclusion, Pablo Neruda's poem XVII is a beautiful expression of love that captures the complexities and mysteries of the human heart. The poem is filled with powerful imagery and language that evokes a sense of passion and introspection. It is a masterpiece that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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