Looking for What
The poem explores the human condition through a series of introspective and philosophical questions that remain unanswered. It delves into the search for meaning, identity, and purpose in life, revealing the speaker's sense of disorientation and disillusionment. The tone is melancholic and contemplative, with the poet using metaphorical language to convey the complexity and ambiguity of human existence.
By Carlos Drummond de Andrade · First published 1968 · Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 317 words
First lines
What I'm always and anxiously looking for isn't this or that. It's something else.
If I'm asked what that something is, I don't answer, because it's nobody's business what I'm looking for.
What this Textopian page supports
Looking for What is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, dated 1968 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Carlos Drummond de Andrade
- Date: 1968 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Mystery
- Length: 317 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Looking for What 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 Looking for What?
- How does this short story by Carlos Drummond de Andrade fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Philosophical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Coexistence by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Nakedness by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- The Whore by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- The Voice by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Letter by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Communion by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
Genres
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores deep existential questions and the search for meaning.
- Literary Fiction — Focuses on character introspection and complex themes rather than plot.
- Psychological Fiction — Delves into the protagonist's inner thoughts and emotional struggles.
- Coming-of-Age — Depicts the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Tags
Brazilian Literature · Poetry · Modernism · Existential Crisis · Philosophical Themes · Self-Discovery · Human Condition · Urban Life · Alienation · Disillusionment · Social Critique · Stream-of-Consciousness