Letter by Carlos Drummond de Andrade
The poem explores the theme of longing and nostalgia through a series of letters written by the speaker to an unknown recipient. The letters are never sent, and instead, they accumulate in a drawer, symbolizing the speaker's inability to express their emotions. Through the letters, the speaker conveys a sense of melancholy and despair, reflecting on past experiences and lost opportunities. The poem also touches on the idea that words are insufficient to convey the complexity of human emotions, leaving the speaker feeling isolated and disconnected from others. The use of the epistolary form allows for a deeply personal and introspective tone, creating a sense of intimacy between the reader and the speaker.
By Carlos Drummond de Andrade · First published 1951 · Genre: Poetry, Epistolary, Philosophical · 256 words
First lines
I wish I could write this with the right words, as trite as ever yet apt to tremble if touched by passion.
Cutting dark tunnels through clay and shadow, my letter would tell you I'm fine and still love you, and love more with each day in my twisted and hesitant way, and I hope you answer, and please don't delay, and I'd ask for a tiny something just to afford you the pleasure of giving. It would tell you about the weather over here, how the rains have stopped, the kids are in school, a recent invention (still being perfected)can read people's hearts, but we all hope to see you again soon.
Not too soon, though.
As it gets shorter, time's becoming strangely lengthy.
What this Textopian page supports
Letter is listed on Textopian as a poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, dated 1951 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: 1951 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Epistolary, Philosophical, Romance, Psychological
- Length: 256 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The text is highly lyrical, employing poetic devices such as metaphor, simile, and personification.
- Epistolary — The work is structured as a letter, a common feature of the epistolary genre.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep existential questions and the nature of time and memory.
- Romance — The letter expresses love and longing, central themes in romantic literature.
Tags
Brazilian Literature · Poetry · Epistolary · Modernism · Experimental · Stream-of-Consciousness · Introspection · Self-Discovery · Psychological Insight · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Urban Life