Bestiary by Pablo Neruda (1959)
The poem is a collection of 74 prose poems that explore the relationship between humans and animals. It delves into the idea that humans are not superior to animals, but rather, they coexist and share a common destiny. The speaker describes various creatures, from birds and fish to mammals, highlighting their unique characteristics and abilities. Through these descriptions, the poem conveys a sense of wonder, awe, and respect for the natural world.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1959 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Surrealism · 860 words
First lines
If I could speak with birds, with oysters and with little lizards, with the foxes of the Dark Forest, with the exemplary penguins; if the sheep, the languid woolly lapdogs, the cart horses would understand me; if I could discuss things with cats, if hens would listen to me!
It has never occurred to me to speak with elegant animals:
What this Textopian page supports
Bestiary 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, Nature Writing, Surrealism, Philosophical Literature, Symbolism
- Length: 860 words
- Structure: 1 section, 49 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Bestiary by Pablo Neruda
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, utilizing vivid imagery and lyrical language to explore themes of communication and connection with nature.
- Nature Writing — The text focuses on animals and the natural world, reflecting on their behaviors and the desire to understand them.
- Surrealism — The imaginative and dream-like quality of the narrative, along with anthropomorphism, aligns with surrealist elements.
- Philosophical Literature — The exploration of communication and existence raises philosophical questions about understanding and connection.
Tags
Poetry · Latin American Literature · Surrealism · Imagery · Nature · Wildlife · Fantasy · Mythology · Symbolism · Dreamlike · Vivid Descriptions · Lyrical Language
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