Square Dance
The poem explores the tension between individual desire and societal expectations through the metaphor of a square dance. The speaker describes the rigid structure of the dance, where participants are forced to conform to predetermined steps, echoing the constraints imposed by societal norms. Meanwhile, the speaker's inner world is characterized by a sense of restlessness and longing for freedom, symbolized by the image of a bird in flight.
By Carlos Drummond de Andrade · First published 1930 · Genre: Tragicomedy, Satire, Modernist · 62 words
First lines
João loved Teresa who loved Raimundowho loved Maria who loved Joaquim who loved Liliwho didn't love anyone.
João went to the United States, Teresa to a convent, Raimundo died in an accident, Maria became a spinster, Joaquim committed suicide, and Lili married J. Pinto Fernandes, who had nothing to do with the story.
What this Textopian page supports
Square Dance is listed on Textopian as a poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, dated 1930 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: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Tragicomedy, Satire, Modernist, Short Story, Literary Fiction
- Length: 62 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Square Dance 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 Square Dance?
- How does this poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Tragicomedy first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Swipe Of The Sword by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Roll World Roll by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Multitudinous Heart by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Porcelain by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- The Table by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Green Library by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
Genres
- Tragicomedy — The plot intertwines tragic and comedic elements through the unrequited loves and unfortunate fates of the characters.
- Satire — The narrative style and the absurdity of the characters' outcomes suggest a satirical critique of romantic pursuits and societal expectations.
- Modernist — The fragmented and ironic storytelling aligns with modernist literary techniques.
- Short Story — The concise and impactful narrative fits the structure of a short story.
Tags
Brazilian Literature · Poetry · Modernism · Experimental · Avant-Garde · Stream-of-Consciousness · Free Verse · Lyrical · Imagist · Surrealist · Abstract · Fragmented Narrative