
The Table
The poem explores the theme of solitude and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The speaker describes a table, which serves as a metaphor for human existence, emphasizing its emptiness and lack of purpose. Through the table's description, the poet conveys the feeling of desolation and disconnection from others and oneself.
By Carlos Drummond de Andrade · First published 1951 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Modernist · 2,012 words
First lines
And you didn't like parties. But what a party, old man, we'd throw for you today.
Your sons who don't drink and the one who loves drinking, seated around the big table, would forgo their sad diets and forget their complaints, we'd have good-hearted fun and end up baring our souls.
What this Textopian page supports
The Table is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
- Author: Carlos Drummond de Andrade
- Date: 1951 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Modernist, Literary, Brazilian Literature
- Length: 2,012 words
- Structure: 1 section, 54 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Table 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 The Table?
- How does this novella by Carlos Drummond de Andrade fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
Genres
- Poetry — The book is primarily composed of poems, reflecting the author's poetic style and themes.
- Philosophical — The themes often delve into existential and philosophical questions.
- Modernist — The writing style and structure align with modernist literary techniques.
- Literary — The work is considered high literature, focusing on artistic expression and depth.
Tags
Brazilian Literature · Poetry · Modernism · Experimental · Avant-Garde · Surrealism · Abstract · Philosophical · Psychological Insight · Stream-of-Consciousness · Free Verse · Lyrical
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