Tyranny by Pablo Neruda (1958)
The poem explores the theme of oppression and resistance through a series of vivid and powerful images. It describes the effects of tyranny on individuals and society, portraying a world where freedom and creativity are suppressed. The speaker's voice is one of defiance and protest, urging people to rise up against their oppressors and fight for their rights.
By Pablo Neruda · First published 1958 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Existentialism · 116 words
First lines
Oh heartless lady, daughter of the sky, help me in this solitary hour with your direct armed indifference and your cold sense of oblivion.
A time complete as an ocean, a wound confused as a new being encompass the stubborn root of my soul biting the center of my security.
What a heavy throbbing beats in my heart like a wave made of all the waves, and my despairing head is raised in an effort of leaping and of death.
There is something hostile trembling in my certitude, growing in the very origin of tears like a harsh, clawing plant made of linked and bitter leaves.
What this Textopian page supports
Tyranny is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1958 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: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Existentialism, Romanticism, Political
- Length: 116 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tyranny 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 Tyranny?
- 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
- We Are Many by Pablo Neruda
- Envoys by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Bondage by Georgia Douglas Johnson
- In Vietnam by Pablo Neruda
- Justice by Langston Hughes
- To Liberty by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, utilizing imagery and emotional expression typical of poetry.
- Lyric — The text conveys personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Existentialism — Themes of despair, identity, and the human condition suggest existentialist influences.
- Romanticism — The emotional intensity and focus on individual experience align with Romantic ideals.
Tags
Politics · Social Justice · Poetry · Latin American Literature · Revolution · Oppression · Freedom · Human Rights · Dictatorship · Totalitarianism · Rebellion · Resistance
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