Cataclysm by Pablo Neruda (1958)
The poem is a lament for the loss of innocence and the destruction of a utopian dream. It describes the disillusionment with the Spanish Republic and the poet's own sense of guilt and responsibility. The poem explores themes of love, politics, and identity, and it is characterized by its use of powerful imagery and symbolism.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1958 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Nature Writing · 2,065 words
First lines
The night of a thousand and one nights, the shadow of a thousand shadows and a heartbeat, the water of a thousand waters falling, fire uncovering funnels, ashes dressed up like Medusa, the Earth's lamentation.
I am a man. Why was I born on Earth?
What this Textopian page supports
Cataclysm is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1958 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: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyrical, Nature Writing, Existentialism, Historical
- Length: 2,065 words
- Structure: 1 section, 67 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a collection of poetic verses, characterized by rich imagery and emotional depth.
- Lyrical — The writing style is deeply personal and expressive, focusing on the poet's feelings and reflections.
- Nature Writing — Themes of nature, including volcanoes and the earth, are central to the text, exploring the relationship between humanity and the natural world.
- Existentialism — The text grapples with profound questions of existence, identity, and the human condition.
Tags
Poetry · Chilean Literature · Latin American Poetry · Revolutionary · Political · Social Commentary · Love · Passion · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Free Verse
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