KEEPING QUIET

--- Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda (1904-1973) is the pen name of Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto who was born
in the town of Parral in Chile. Neruda's poems are full of easily understood images which make
them no less beautiful. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in the year 1971.

 Neruda was a precocious boy who began to write poetry at age 10. His father tried to discourage
him from writing and never cared for his poems, which was probably why the young poet began
to publish under the pseudonym Pablo Neruda, which was legally adopted in 1946.

"Keeping Quiet" is a thought-provoking poem . The renowned Chilean poet Pablo Neruda
published it in 1956. The poem explores themes of introspection, self-reflection, and the
importance of silence in a chaotic world.

The opening lines engage the readers with the invitation to "now we will all count to twelve /
and we will all keep still." This directive is simple yet powerful, urging individuals to pause and
reconsider their actions and their impact on the world.

Neruda's use of vivid imagery is another notable aspect of the poem. For instance, he paints a
striking picture of the world as people become still, highlighting the transformative power of
silence. The lines “It would be an exotic moment without rush….” prompt us to reflect on the
benefits that can arise from stepping away from the constant rush and noise, and embracing the
sudden strangeness of a shared, tranquil experience. This imagery serves as a reminder of our
shared responsibility to protect and preserve the environment.

Neruda envisions a moment of stillness where even the actions of individuals engaged in
activities that may typically cause harm or exploitation would be halted. The fisherman, who is
usually engaged in capturing or hunting whales, would refrain from causing harm. This image
suggests a suspension of destructive practices and recognition of the interconnectedness between
humans and the natural world.

Similarly, Neruda describes a man engaged in the physically demanding task of gathering salt.
However, in this moment of quiet introspection, the man would pause his work and reflect upon
the pain and weariness in his hands. This implies a shift in perspective, where individuals
become aware of their own vulnerabilities and the consequences of their actions. It encourages a
deeper understanding of the impact of human activities on oneself and others.

He imagines a transformative moment where the architects of war would change their ways.
They would metaphorically "put on clean clothes," signifying a purification of their intentions
and actions. The act of "walking about with their brothers" implies a sense of fraternity and
unity, transcending divisions and conflicts. They would come together in the shade, a
metaphorical space of peace and respite, and engage in a state of idleness or "doing nothing." He
acknowledges that life is an active and vibrant experience, and he does not seek to disconnect
 from it. By expressing that he wants no association or engagement with death, Neruda suggests a
longing for life-affirming actions and experiences. He believes that a profound silence, both
within ourselves and in the world, could interrupt the pervasive sadness that stems from our lack
of self-understanding and the constant fear of mortality.

Neruda suggests that through stillness and introspection, we can gain a deeper understanding of
ourselves and our place in the world. Neruda proposes that the earth itself can serve as a teacher
and a source of wisdom. He draws attention to the cycles of life and death observed in Nature,
where things may appear lifeless or dormant but later reveal their vitality. By observing and
learning from the earth's resilience, we can gain a greater understanding of our own capacity for
growth and renewal.

POETIC DEVICES

1. Imagery "Fisherman in the cold sea" and "man gathering salt"

2. Metaphor: "green wars, wars of gas, wars of fire" metaphorically represents destructive
conflicts and emphasizes their harmful impact on both humans and the environment.
3. Personification: "the earth can teach us" personifies the Earth, attributing the ability to impart
wisdom and understanding.
4. Repetition: The repeated phrase "and for once could do nothing" reinforces the idea of taking a
moment of stillness and inactivity. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "keeping quiet"
throughout the poem serves as a refrain, reinforcing the central theme.
5. Contrast: Contrasts between rush and stillness, noise and silence, and destructive actions and
peaceful coexistence are used to emphasize the transformative potential of silence and
introspection.
6. Symbolism: the act of counting to twelve symbolizes a moment of unity and collective pause
"Clean clothes" signifies purification and a departure from harmful actions, while "shade"
symbolizes peace and respite.
7. Allusion: The poem indirectly alludes to the themes of war, conflict, and the environment,
evoking a sense of collective responsibility and the need for change. These allusions add layers
of meaning to the poem's message.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Answer the following questions in 40-50 words

1. The poem suggests that by remaining quiet and still, we can better understand and appreciate our
interconnectedness with nature and each other. How does this idea resonate with you personally,
and do you think it's applicable to the modern world?

2. The speaker mentions the importance of "counting up to twelve" and "keeping quiet for a time."
What do you think these actions symbolize in the context of the poem, and how do they
contribute to the central theme?
3. "Keeping Quiet" emphasizes the need to break the cycle of thoughtless actions and violence.
How does the poem suggest that silence can be a powerful tool for bringing about change and
fostering peace?

4. The poem concludes with the line, "Perhaps the Earth can teach us." What do you think the
speaker means by this statement, and how does it tie into the overall message of "Keeping
Quiet"?

5. "Keeping Quiet" raises questions about the nature of language and its limitations. How does the
poem suggest that silence can transcend language barriers and enable deeper understanding?

6. Describe a situation where you observed a conflict between two individuals, and you chose to
stay silent rather than escalate the tension. What was your reasoning behind this decision, and
what impact did it have on the situation?

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