Shyness by Pablo Neruda (1973)

The poem explores the theme of shyness and its effects on personal relationships. It delves into the speaker's own experiences with shyness, describing feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. The poem also touches on the idea that shyness can be a barrier to forming meaningful connections with others.

By Pablo Neruda · First published 1973 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Existentialism · 245 words

First lines

I scarcely knew, by myself, that I existed, that I'd be able to be, and go on being.

I was afraid of that, of life itself.

I didn't want to be seen,

I didn't want my existence to be known.

What this Textopian page supports

Shyness is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1973 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: 1973 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Existentialism, Autobiographical, Psychological
• Length: 245 words
• Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Shyness by Pablo Neruda
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering Shyness?
• How does this poem by Pablo Neruda fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• The Unhappy One by Pablo Neruda
• To Envy by Pablo Neruda
• The Game by Pablo Neruda
• Loves Mirage by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
• To A Man by Maxwell Bodenheim
• The Masks by Pablo Neruda

Genres

• Poetry — The work is written in a lyrical style, focusing on emotions and personal reflections, characteristic of poetry.
• Literary Fiction — The themes of identity, existence, and introspection align with the characteristics of literary fiction.
• Existentialism — The exploration of self-awareness and the fear of existence reflects existential themes.
• Autobiographical — The narrative conveys personal experiences and feelings, suggesting autobiographical elements.

Tags

Poetry · Chilean Literature · Love · Introspection · Self-discovery · Emotions · Personal Growth · Psychological Insight · Human Nature · Relationships · Solitude · Contemplation

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