To Those at Odds by Pablo Neruda
The poem explores the theme of love and its contradictions, presenting a speaker who addresses an absent beloved, expressing both tenderness and anger towards them. The speaker's emotions are intense and conflicting, oscillating between desire and resentment, passion and bitterness. Through this emotional turmoil, the poem conveys the complexity and turbulence of human relationships.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1953 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama · 142 words
First lines
These marriages gone sour, these discordant couples, why don't they break up once and for all, why don't their stories come to an end- the grumbles of Juan and Juana, the squabbles of Pedro and Pedra, the blows between Roso and Rosa?
No one likes to be around matrimonial swordfish armed with hard arguments or dissolving in salt tears.
Please, please agree, at least to disagree.
Don't come out showing your knives, your forks, your false teeth.
What this Textopian page supports
To Those at Odds is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1953 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: 1953 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Social Commentary
- Length: 142 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for To Those at Odds by Pablo Neruda
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic style, utilizing imagery and emotional expression typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of marital discord and human relationships reflect the depth and complexity found in literary fiction.
- Drama — The exploration of conflict between couples suggests dramatic elements inherent in the narrative.
- Romance — The focus on love and relationships, albeit troubled, aligns with romantic themes.
Tags
Poetry · Latin American Literature · Chilean Poetry · Love Poems · Political Poetry · Social Commentary · Revolutionary Ideals · Passionate · Emotive Language · Free Verse · Imagery Rich · 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