The Hangmen by Pablo Neruda (1952)
The poem explores the theme of social injustice and the exploitation of the working class. It describes a scene where hangmen are waiting for their victims, highlighting the brutality and cruelty of the ruling class towards the oppressed. The tone is one of anger and indignation, condemning the oppressive system that perpetuates violence and suffering.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1952 · Genre: Poetry, Surrealism, Political Literature · 97 words
First lines
Saurian, scaly America coiled around vegetable growth, around the flagpole erected in the swamp: you nursed terrible children with poisonous serpent's milk, torrid cradles incubated and covered a bloodthirsty progeny with yellow clay.
The cat and the scorpion fornicated in the savage land.
The light fled from branch to branch, but slumbering man did not awaken.
The blanket smelled of sugarcane, machetes had rolled into the surliest siesta site, and in the cantinas' rarefied crest the shoeless day laborer spat out his boastful independence.
What this Textopian page supports
The Hangmen is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1952 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: 1952 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Surrealism, Political Literature, Magical Realism, Social Critique
- Length: 97 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Hangmen 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 The Hangmen?
- 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 Judgment by Pablo Neruda
- Bombardment Curse by Pablo Neruda
- The Tyrants Again by Pablo Neruda
- General Franco In Hell by Pablo Neruda
- Song For The Mothers Of Slain Militiamen by Pablo Neruda
- Catastrophe In Sewell by Pablo Neruda
Genres
- Poetry — The work employs rich imagery and metaphor typical of poetic expression.
- Surrealism — The vivid and dream-like descriptions reflect surrealist themes and styles.
- Political Literature — The text addresses themes of oppression and independence, indicative of political commentary.
- Magical Realism — The blending of fantastical elements with realistic settings aligns with magical realism.
Tags
Poetry · Chilean Literature · Latin American Literature · 20th Century · Politics · Social Commentary · Rebellion · Resistance · Freedom · Oppression · Dictatorship · Human Rights
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