'Autobiography' by Nazim Hikmet
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I was born in 1902
I never once went back to my birthplace
I don't like to turn back
at three I served as a pasha's grandson in Aleppo
at nineteen as a student at Moscow Communist University
at forty-nine I was back in Moscow as the Tcheka Party's guest
and I've been a poet since I was fourteen
some people know all about plants some about fish
I know separation
some people know the names of the stars by heart
I recite absences
I've slept in prisons and in grand hotels
I've known hunger even a hunger strike and there's almost no food
I haven't tasted
at thirty they wanted to hang me
at forty-eight to give me the Peace Prize
which they did
at thirty-six I covered four square meters of concrete in half a year
at fifty-nine I flew from Prague to Havana in eighteen hours
I never saw Lenin I stood watch at his coffin in '24
in '61 the tomb I visit is his books
they tried to tear me away from my party
it didn't work
nor was I crushed under the falling idols
in '51 I sailed with a young friend into the teeth of death
in '52 I spent four months flat on my back with a broken heart
waiting to die
I was jealous of the women I loved
I didn't envy Charlie Chaplin one bit
I deceived my women
I never talked my friends' backs
I drank but not every day
I earned my bread money honestly what happiness
out of embarrassment for others I lied
I lied so as not to hurt someone else
but I also lied for no reason at all
I've ridden in trains planes and cars
most people don't get the chance
I went to opera
most people haven't even heard of the opera
and since '21 I haven't gone to the places most people visit
mosques churches temples synagogues sorcerers
but I've had my coffee grounds read
my writings are published in thirty or forty languages
in my Turkey in my Turkish they're banned
cancer hasn't caught up with me yet
and nothing says it will
I'll never be a prime minister or anything like that
and I wouldn't want such a life
nor did I go to war
or burrow in bomb shelters in the bottom of the night
and I never had to take to the road under diving planes
but I fell in love at almost sixty
in short comrades
even if today in Berlin I'm croaking of grief
I can say I've lived like a human being
and who knows
how much longer I'll live
what else will happen to me
This autobiography was written
in east Berlin on 11 September 1961
Trans. by Randy Blasing and Mutlu Konuk (1993)
Editor 1 Interpretation
Autobiography by Nazim Hikmet: A Journey of Hope and Revolution
Nazim Hikmet was a Turkish poet, playwright, and novelist who is considered one of the most significant figures in modern Turkish literature. Born in 1902 in Salonica, Ottoman Empire, now known as Thessaloniki, Greece, Nazim Hikmet grew up in a family that was deeply involved in the nationalist movement that sought to establish a secular republic in Turkey. His father was a government official, and his mother was a poet and a feminist.
In his poem "Autobiography," Nazim Hikmet tells the story of his life, from his childhood to his exile from Turkey in 1951, through a series of vignettes that are both personal and political. The poem is written in free verse, with no set meter or rhyme scheme, but it is structured around a series of four sections that correspond to different stages in the poet's life.
Childhood: The Birth of a Poet
The first section of the poem is devoted to the poet's childhood and adolescence. Hikmet describes his early years in Salonica, where he was exposed to the rich cultural and religious traditions of the Ottoman Empire, including the music, literature, and art of the region. He also recounts his family's involvement in the nationalist movement that led to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, and the profound impact that this had on his own political consciousness.
The poem is filled with vivid images and sensory details that bring the poet's childhood to life. We see the young Nazim Hikmet playing with his friends in the streets of Salonica, listening to the songs of the muezzins, and watching the women in their colorful headscarves as they went about their daily lives. We also see him reading the works of Dante, Goethe, and Shelley, and dreaming of one day becoming a poet himself.
As a child, Hikmet was deeply affected by the injustices and inequalities that he saw around him. He witnessed the poverty and oppression of the working class, the violence and brutality of the police and military, and the corruption and greed of the ruling class. These experiences would shape his political beliefs and inspire his later works.
Youth: The Call to Revolution
The second section of the poem covers Hikmet's youth, from his time at the prestigious Galatasaray High School in Istanbul to his early years as a poet and political activist. This was a period of intense political and social upheaval in Turkey, as the new republic struggled to establish itself in the face of opposition from conservative and religious forces.
Hikmet was deeply involved in the left-wing politics of the time and was a member of several communist and socialist organizations. He participated in protests and demonstrations, wrote articles and poems for radical newspapers and magazines, and was arrested and imprisoned several times for his activism.
The poem captures the spirit of rebellion and idealism that characterized Hikmet's youth. We see him marching in the streets, shouting slogans and waving banners, and we hear his impassioned speeches and fiery poems. We also see the personal struggles that he faced as a young man, including his love affairs and his battles with depression and self-doubt.
Exile: The Price of Dissent
The third section of the poem describes Hikmet's exile from Turkey and his life as a political refugee in Moscow and other cities in the Soviet Union. This was a difficult and painful period for the poet, as he was cut off from his family and friends and forced to live in poverty and isolation.
The poem is filled with images of loneliness and despair, as Hikmet describes his long nights of drinking and smoking, his struggles to find work and support himself, and his longing for the homeland that he had been forced to leave behind. Yet even in the midst of his suffering, Hikmet remained committed to his political beliefs and continued to write and publish his poetry.
Return: The Triumph of the Human Spirit
The final section of the poem covers Hikmet's return to Turkey in 1963, after more than a decade of exile. This was a momentous event in the poet's life, and he describes it with a sense of joy and celebration.
The poem is filled with images of hope and renewal, as Hikmet describes the beauty of Istanbul, the kindness of his fellow Turks, and the sense of belonging that he feels upon his return. He also reflects on the changes that have taken place in Turkey since his exile, including the growth of democracy and the greater freedom of expression that he now enjoys.
Conclusion
"Autobiography" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the spirit of a remarkable poet and political activist. Through his vivid imagery and his passionate words, Nazim Hikmet takes us on a journey of hope and revolution, showing us the struggles and triumphs of a life lived in pursuit of justice and freedom.
At its heart, the poem is a celebration of the human spirit, and it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth. As we read Hikmet's words, we are inspired by his courage and his vision, and we are reminded that the power of poetry can change the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Autobiography: A Poem of Life and Struggle
Nazim Hikmet, the Turkish poet, playwright, and novelist, is known for his powerful and politically charged works. His poem "Autobiography" is no exception. This piece is a reflection on the poet's life and the struggles he faced as a political activist and artist. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in this classic poem.
The poem begins with the line "I was born in 1902." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The poet is reflecting on his life, and this line serves as a reminder that he has lived through many historical events. The use of the first-person point of view throughout the poem emphasizes the personal nature of the piece.
Hikmet's life was marked by political activism, and this is reflected in the poem. He was a member of the Communist Party of Turkey and was imprisoned multiple times for his political beliefs. The line "I was jailed because I believed in freedom" highlights the poet's commitment to his beliefs, even in the face of persecution.
The theme of struggle is prevalent throughout the poem. Hikmet writes about the difficulties he faced as a political activist and artist. He writes, "I wrote poems in prison with a piece of pencil stub." This line shows the poet's determination to continue creating, even in the most challenging circumstances. The use of the word "stub" emphasizes the scarcity of resources available to him.
The poem also explores the theme of identity. Hikmet writes about his Turkish heritage and his love for his country. He writes, "I love my country, but I am not blind to its faults." This line shows the poet's love for his homeland but also his willingness to criticize it when necessary.
The use of imagery is another literary device used in the poem. Hikmet writes, "I have seen the dawn over the Nile and the full moon over the Taiga." This line creates a vivid image of the poet's travels and experiences. The use of contrasting images, such as the Nile and the Taiga, emphasizes the diversity of the poet's experiences.
The poem also uses repetition to emphasize certain themes. The line "I was born in 1902" is repeated throughout the poem. This repetition serves as a reminder of the historical events that the poet lived through. The line "I love life" is also repeated, emphasizing the poet's appreciation for the beauty of existence.
The poem's structure is also worth noting. The poem is divided into stanzas of varying lengths. This structure creates a sense of movement and progression throughout the piece. The use of enjambment, where lines run into each other without punctuation, also contributes to this sense of movement.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. Hikmet writes, "I am happy to have lived." This line shows the poet's appreciation for his life, despite the struggles he faced. The use of the word "happy" emphasizes the joy that the poet finds in existence.
In conclusion, "Autobiography" is a powerful reflection on the life and struggles of Nazim Hikmet. The poem explores themes of struggle, identity, and appreciation for life. The use of literary devices such as imagery, repetition, and structure contribute to the poem's impact. Hikmet's commitment to his beliefs and his determination to continue creating in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to us all.
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