Cholula by Pablo Neruda (1954)
The poem is a tribute to the Mexican hot sauce Cholula, but it's also a metaphor for the passion and energy of life. The speaker describes the sauce's flavor and aroma, comparing them to the intensity of human emotions and experiences. Through the poem, the speaker conveys the idea that just as Cholula adds flavor to food, passion and energy add meaning to life.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1954 · Genre: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Political Literature · 111 words
First lines
In Cholula the youths wear their finest cloth, gold, and plumes.
Adorned for the festival, they question the invader.
Death has answered them.
Thousands of corpses lie there.
What this Textopian page supports
Cholula is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1954 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: 1954 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Historical Fiction, Political Literature, Social Commentary, Epic
- Length: 111 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Cholula by Pablo Neruda
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Cholula?
- How does this poem by Pablo Neruda fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is characterized by its lyrical and expressive language, typical of Neruda's poetic style.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative reflects historical events and themes related to conquest and cultural conflict.
- Political Literature — The text critiques colonialism and explores themes of oppression and resistance.
- Social Commentary — The work addresses social issues and the impact of violence on communities.
Tags
Poetry · Latin American Literature · Mexican Culture · Travelogue · Historical Fiction · Autobiographical Elements · Free Verse · Lyrical Prose · Imagery Rich · Symbolism · Mythology · Folklore
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