The Voice
The poem explores the theme of existential crisis and the search for meaning in life. The speaker describes a sense of disconnection from the world and a feeling of being lost, unable to find their place or purpose. They hear a mysterious voice that seems to be calling out to them, but they are unsure what it is saying or what it wants. The poem expresses a sense of longing and desperation as the speaker tries to make sense of the voice and its message.
By Carlos Drummond de Andrade · First published 1968 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Magical Realism · 98 words
First lines
A song was singing to itself on a street without revelers. The radio? Its abstract, wind-borne carnival stirred excitement and nostalgia.
All that ever danced was dancing in the empty afternoon. And other, future dances danced, teaching the unmotivated earth that feasting needs no motive. And the long struggle, the search for signs, the quest among shadows, the doubtful voyage toward the divine, all yields to what, in a roving voice, a certain song that sings itself seeks to bring into our life.
What this Textopian page supports
The Voice is listed on Textopian as a poem 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: Poem
- Author: Carlos Drummond de Andrade
- Date: 1968 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Magical Realism, Literary Fiction
- Length: 98 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Voice 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 Voice?
- How does this poem by Carlos Drummond de Andrade fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Porcelain by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Multitudinous Heart by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Communion by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Residue by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Looking For What by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
- Swipe Of The Sword by Carlos Drummond De Andrade
Genres
- Poetry — The text's lyrical and abstract nature, along with its focus on themes of music and dance, aligns closely with poetic expression.
- Philosophical Fiction — The exploration of existential themes such as the search for meaning and the divine suggests a philosophical undertone.
- Magical Realism — The blending of the mundane with the fantastical elements, like a song singing itself, fits the characteristics of magical realism.
- Literary Fiction — The sophisticated writing style and thematic depth are indicative of literary fiction.
Tags
Poetry · Brazilian Literature · Modernism · Stream-of-Consciousness · Experimental · Lyrical · Introspective · Philosophical · Psychological Insight · Existential Crisis · Self-Discovery · Human Condition