The Poet by Pablo Neruda (1974)

Name: The Poet
Author: Pablo Neruda

The poem is a lyrical and introspective work that explores the poet's own identity, creativity, and relationship with language. It delves into the poet's inner world, revealing their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The poem also touches on the theme of love, desire, and the human condition, using rich imagery and symbolism to convey complex ideas and emotions.

By Pablo Neruda · First published 1974 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Existentialism · 199 words

First lines

I used to wander through life amid an ill-starred love: I used to keep a little page of quartz to rivet my eyes to life.

I bought kindness, I was in the market of greed, I inhaled envy's most sordid waters, the inhuman hostility of masks and beings,

I lived a sea-swamp world in which the flower, the lily, suddenly consumed me in their foamy tremor, and wherever I stepped my soul slid toward the teeth of the abyss.

That's how my poetry was born, barely freed from the nettles, clutched above solitude like a punishment, or its most secret flower sequestered in the garden of immodesty until it was buried.

What this Textopian page supports

The Poet is listed on Textopian as an essay by Pablo Neruda, dated 1974 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Pablo Neruda
Date: 1974 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Existentialism, Lyrical, Modernism
Length: 199 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Poet by Pablo Neruda
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this essay by Pablo Neruda fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is primarily a poetic expression, showcasing Neruda's distinctive style and thematic focus on love, solitude, and existential reflection.
Romanticism — The themes of love, nature, and emotional depth align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
Existentialism — The exploration of isolation, death, and the human condition reflects existentialist themes.
Lyrical — The personal and emotional tone of the writing emphasizes lyrical qualities.