The Ox by Carlos Drummond de Andrade
The poem explores the theme of existential crisis and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The ox, a symbol of strength and labor, is portrayed as exhausted, worn out, and helpless, reflecting the speaker's feelings of despair and disillusionment. Through the ox's plight, the poet conveys the futility of human existence and the struggle to find purpose in life.
By Carlos Drummond de Andrade · First published 1942 · Genre: Poetry, Existentialism, Modernism · 146 words
First lines
O solitude of the ox in the field, O solitude of the man in the street! Amid cars, trains, telephone and shouts, a wilderness. O solitude of the ox in the field, O millions suffering without any scourge! Night or sunlight, it's all the same: darkness begins with the dawn.
O solitude of the ox in the field, people writhing without a sound! The city defies all explanation, and the houses have no meaning.
O solitude of the ox in the field! The ghost ship sails in silence down the crowded street.
If only a storm of love would strike! Hands joined together, life saved. But the weather is still. The ox is alone.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ox is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Carlos Drummond de Andrade
- Date: 1942 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Existentialism, Modernism, Philosophical Literature, Social Commentary
- Length: 146 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Ox by Carlos Drummond de Andrade
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- Elegy by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Garden by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Field Of Flowers by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Absence by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- The Elephant by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
Genres
- Poetry — The text is structured in a poetic form with a focus on imagery and metaphor.
- Existentialism — Themes of solitude, meaninglessness, and human suffering are central to the work.
- Modernism — The writing style and themes reflect modernist concerns with urbanization and alienation.
- Philosophical Literature — The work explores deep philosophical questions about existence and human condition.
Tags
Brazilian Literature · Poetry · Modernism · Rural Life · Countryside · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Allegory · Folk Culture · Rustic · Simple Life