
Buried Alive
The poem explores the theme of existential crisis and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The speaker feels suffocated by the monotony of daily life and the oppressive nature of societal expectations. Through vivid imagery and metaphor, the poet conveys a sense of desperation and disconnection, as if being buried alive.
By Carlos Drummond de Andrade · First published 1954 · Genre: Poetry, Existentialism, Psychological · 130 words
First lines
It's always in the past, that orgasm. Always in the present, that double. Always in the future, that panic.
Always in my chest digs that claw.
Always in my boredom waves that hand.
Always in my sleep there's war.
What this Textopian page supports
Buried Alive is listed on Textopian as a poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, dated 1954 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Carlos Drummond de Andrade
- Date: 1954 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Existentialism, Psychological, Philosophical, Modernism
- Length: 130 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Buried Alive by Carlos Drummond de Andrade
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Buried Alive?
- How does this poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in a poetic form with a focus on rhythm, repetition, and metaphor.
- Existentialism — Themes of existential angst, identity, and the human condition are prevalent throughout the work.
- Psychological — The narrative delves deeply into the psyche of the speaker, exploring internal conflicts and emotions.
- Philosophical — The work contemplates profound philosophical questions about existence, self, and reality.
Tags
Brazilian Literature · Poetry · Modernism · Existential Crisis · Alienation · Urban Life · Social Isolation · Human Condition · Psychological Insight · Stream of Consciousness · Free Verse · Experimental Writing
More by Carlos Drummond de Andrade