The Moth by Carlos Drummond de Andrade
The poem explores the theme of existential crisis and the search for meaning in life. The speaker describes a moth that has entered their room, symbolizing the intrusion of the unknown into their mundane existence. The moth's fragile and ephemeral nature serves as a metaphor for human existence, highlighting the fragility and impermanence of life. Through the moth's presence, the speaker is forced to confront the abyss of uncertainty and the futility of human endeavors.
By Carlos Drummond de Andrade · First published 1942 · Genre: Poetry, Existentialism, Modernism · 298 words
First lines
In this city of Rio, home to two million people, I'm alone in my room, I'm alone in America.
Am I really alone? Just now a sound announced life at my side.
Not human life, true, but it's life. And I feel the moth caught in the zone of light.
Two million people! And I wouldn't need that much. I'd just need a friend, one of those quiet, distant friends who read Horace but secretly influence our life, our loves, our flesh.
What this Textopian page supports
The Moth is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carlos Drummond de Andrade, dated 1942 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: 1942 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Existentialism, Modernism, Psychological Fiction, Urban Fiction
- Length: 298 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Moth 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
Similar titles
- Lesser Life by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Nakedness by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Mazie Dies Alone In The City Hospital by Langston Hughes
- Buried Alive by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Secret by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- City Streets by Maxwell Bodenheim
Genres
- Poetry — The text exhibits a lyrical and expressive style, focusing on emotions and personal reflections.
- Existentialism — Themes of loneliness, existence, and the search for meaning are central to the narrative.
- Modernism — The writing style and themes reflect modernist concerns with alienation and introspection.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the protagonist's inner thoughts and feelings.
Tags
Brazilian Literature · Poetry · Modernism · Symbolism · Existential Crisis · Human Condition · Mortality · Futility · Despair · Hopelessness · Absurdity · Alienation