There Is No Oblivion (Sonata)
The poem explores the theme of love and its transcendence over time and mortality. It describes a romantic relationship where the speaker's lover has died, but their love remains strong and present. The poem uses imagery and metaphor to convey the idea that even in death, love can be eternal and unchanging.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1954 · Genre: Poetry, Lyrical, Existentialism · 270 words
First lines
If you ask me where I have been
I must say, "It so happens."
I must speak of the ground that the stones darken, of the river that enduring is destroyed:
I know only the things that the birds lose, the sea left behind, or my sister weeping.
What this Textopian page supports
There Is No Oblivion (Sonata) 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, Lyrical, Existentialism, Surrealism, Modernism
- Length: 270 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for There Is No Oblivion (Sonata) 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 There Is No Oblivion (Sonata)?
- 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
- So Long Visitor by Pablo Neruda
- The Past by Pablo Neruda
- What We Accept Without Wanting To by Pablo Neruda
- To Emma Abbott by Eugene Field
- To D by Lord Byron
- To Search by Pablo Neruda
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, utilizing imagery, metaphor, and emotional expression typical of poetry.
- Lyrical — The text conveys personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyrical poetry.
- Existentialism — Themes of existence, memory, and the human condition are explored, aligning with existentialist literature.
- Surrealism — The imagery and abstract concepts presented reflect surrealist influences.
Tags
Poetry · Love · Longing · Melancholy · Nostalgia · Memory · Loss · Grief · Mourning · Elegy · Romanticism · Symbolism
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