She by Pablo Neruda (1887)
The poem explores the theme of love and desire through a series of vivid and sensual descriptions of the beloved's body. The speaker describes the beloved's physical appearance in detail, from her hair to her feet, using metaphors and similes to convey the intensity of their emotions. The poem also touches on the idea of possession and ownership, as the speaker claims the beloved's body as their own. Throughout the poem, there is a sense of urgency and longing, as the speaker yearns for physical closeness with the beloved.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1887 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism · 85 words
First lines
You were freedom, a liberator in love.
You handed over gifts and debts, an idol, challenging respect.
The shadowy owl became frightened when your rich hair grazed the darkness.
And housetops remained clear; umbrellas shimmered.
What this Textopian page supports
She is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1887 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: 1887 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Imagism, Modernism, Lyrical
- Length: 85 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for She 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 She?
- How does this poem by Pablo Neruda fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is characterized by its lyrical and expressive language, typical of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, freedom, and idealization of the beloved align with romantic ideals.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and sensory details reflect the principles of imagism.
- Modernism — The innovative style and exploration of complex emotions are indicative of modernist literature.
Tags
Love · Poetry · Romance · Passion · Desire · Intimacy · Sensuality · Eroticism · Femininity · Beauty · Nature · Imagery
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