A Small Animal by Pablo Neruda
The poem explores the speaker's inner world, delving into their childhood memories and emotions. It describes a small animal that lives inside the speaker, symbolizing their creative and emotional self. The poem also touches on the theme of identity, exploring how the speaker's past experiences have shaped them into who they are today.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1959 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Nature Writing · 148 words
First lines
A small animal, pig, bird, or dog, defenseless, gristled with feathers or fur,
I heard it all night, fevered, howling.
It was a vast night and in Isla Negra, the sea, all of its thunder, its floating hardware, its tons of salt, its glass broken against the immobile rock, the sea shuddered.
The silence was clear and fierce after every bolt or shower.
What this Textopian page supports
A Small Animal is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1959 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Pablo Neruda
- Date: 1959 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Nature Writing, Symbolism, Surrealism
- Length: 148 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Ox by Pablo Neruda
- The Blind Statue by Pablo Neruda
- On The Coast by Pablo Neruda
- Ode To Salt by Pablo Neruda
- The Night In Isla Negra by Pablo Neruda
- Saddlery by Pablo Neruda
Genres
- Poetry — The work employs lyrical language, imagery, and emotional depth characteristic of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores profound themes of loneliness and existential reflection, typical of literary fiction.
- Nature Writing — The vivid descriptions of the sea and night evoke a strong connection to the natural world.
- Symbolism — The small animal serves as a symbol for vulnerability and the human condition.
Tags
Poetry · Chilean Literature · Latin American Poetry · Love Poems · Nature Imagery · Simple Language · Accessible Poetry · Emotional Depth · Introspection · Personal Reflections · Human Connection · Animal Symbolism
More by Pablo Neruda
- Body of a Woman (1959)
- The Light Wraps You (1954)
- Ah Vastness of Pines (1975)
- The Morning Is Full (1954)
- So That You Will Hear Me (1976)
- I Remember You As You Were (1952)
- Leaning Into The Afternoons Leaning into the afternoons I cast my sad nets towards your oceanic eyes (1954)
- White Bee (1974)
- All works by Pablo Neruda