Pablo Neruda, originally Ricardo Eliecer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto, was born in 1904 in Chile and led a life of poetry and politics. He sold all his possessions in 1923 to publish his first book, “Crepusculario,” under the pseudonym “Pablo Neruda..” This marked the beginning of his poetic career. Neruda served as a diplomat and met influential poets like Federico García Lorca. He chronicled the Spanish Civil War and was recalled from Madrid due to his loyalty to the loyalist cause. Returning to Chile, he joined the Communist Party, faced political turmoil, and wrote “Canto general.” Despite challenges, Neruda received numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. He battled cancer and resigned as an ambassador before passing away in 1973.
Key Highlights:
- Born as Ricardo Eliecer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto in Parral, Chile, in 1904.
- Sold possessions to publish “Crepusculario” in 1923, using the pseudonym “Pablo Neruda.”
- Gained fame with “Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair” in 1924.
- Started a diplomatic career in 1927, becoming Chilean consul in Buenos Aires and befriending poets like Federico García Lorca.
- Founded a literary review, “Caballo verde para la poesîa,” with Manuel Altolaguirre in 1935.
- Chronicled the Spanish Civil War in “Espana en el corazon” (1937).
- Recalled from Madrid in 1937 for supporting the loyalist cause.
- Returned to Chile in 1938, joined the Communist Party, and went into hiding.
- Wrote and published “Canto general” in 1950.
- Received prestigious awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971.
- Diagnosed with cancer during his ambassadorship in France and resigned in 1973.
- Passed away on September 23, 1973, in Santiago, Chile.
Paraphrase
“Now we will count to twelve”
Paraphrase: We will now count up to twelve.
Explanation: The speaker suggests that they will count from one to twelve, which implies a simple act of counting.
“and we will all keep still.”
Paraphrase: And all of us will remain silent.
Explanation: The speaker is proposing that everyone should maintain complete silence.
“For once on the face of the Earth”
Paraphrase: At least once in the history of the world.
Explanation: The speaker is referring to a rare and unique moment in human existence.
“let’s not speak in any language,”
Paraphrase: We should refrain from using any language to communicate.
Explanation: The speaker suggests that during this silence, people should not communicate verbally in any language.
“let’s stop for one second,”
Paraphrase: Let’s pause for just a moment.
Explanation: The speaker encourages a brief interruption in the normal flow of life.
“and not move our arms so much.”
Paraphrase: And avoid excessive movement of our arms.
Explanation: The speaker suggests reducing physical activity, specifically arm movement.
“It would be an exotic moment”
Paraphrase: It would be an unusual and unique experience.
Explanation: The speaker describes the silence as something out of the ordinary.
“without rush, without engines,”
Paraphrase: Free from hurry and mechanical noise.
Explanation: The speaker envisions a calm and tranquil moment without the noise of engines and the rush of everyday life.
“we would all be together”
Paraphrase: All of us would be united.
Explanation: The silence would create a sense of unity among people.
“in a sudden strangeness.”
Paraphrase: In an unexpected unfamiliarity.
Explanation: The silence would bring about an unusual and unfamiliar feeling.
“Fishermen in the cold sea”
Paraphrase: Fishermen out in the chilly ocean
Explanation: The poem mentions fishermen who are likely to be working at sea.
“would not harm whales”
Paraphrase: Would not cause harm to the whales.
Explanation: The speaker imagines that during this moment of silence, harm to whales would be prevented.
“and the man gathering salt”
Paraphrase: And the person collecting salt
Explanation: Refers to someone involved in salt harvesting.
“would look at his hurt hands.”
Paraphrase: Would reflect upon his injured hands.
Explanation: The person gathering salt would contemplate their injured hands.
“Those who prepare green wars,”
Paraphrase: Those who plan wars with nature in mind,
Explanation: Refers to individuals who strategize for ecological conflicts.
“wars with gas, wars with fire,”
Paraphrase: Wars using chemical weapons, wars involving fire,
Explanation: Describes different forms of destructive warfare.
“victory with no survivors,”
Paraphrase: Achieving success without any survivors left,
Explanation: Refers to the devastating consequences of certain types of warfare.
“would put on clean clothes”
Paraphrase: Would dress in clean attire,
Explanation: Suggests a change in the behavior and appearance of those involved in war.
“and walk about with their brothers”
Paraphrase: And interact peacefully with their fellow human beings,
Explanation: Implies a shift towards harmony and unity among people.
“in the shade, doing nothing.”
Paraphrase: In a relaxed state, without any activity.
Explanation: Suggests a state of tranquility and inaction.
“What I want should not be confused”
Paraphrase: My desire should not be misunderstood or mistaken
Explanation: The speaker wants to clarify their intentions.
“with total inactivity.”
Paraphrase: With complete idleness.
Explanation: The speaker distinguishes their desire from a state of complete inaction.
“Life is what it is about;”
Paraphrase: Life is the essence of existence;
Explanation: The speaker emphasizes the importance of life.
“I want no truck with death.”
Paraphrase: I do not wish to be associated with death.
Explanation: The speaker rejects any connection with death or destruction.
“If we were not so single-minded”
Paraphrase: If we were not so focused exclusively
Explanation: Suggests that people are too fixated on their own activities.
“about keeping our lives moving,”
Paraphrase: On constantly staying active in our lives,
Explanation: Highlights the obsession with perpetual busyness.
“and for once could do nothing,”
Paraphrase: And if just once, we could refrain from doing anything,
Explanation: Suggests the idea of taking a break from constant activity.
“perhaps a huge silence”
Paraphrase: Maybe a profound silence
Explanation: Implies that such a moment of silence could be significant and meaningful.
“might interrupt this sadness”
Paraphrase: Could disrupt this feeling of sorrow
Explanation: Suggests that the silence may have the power to alleviate sadness.
“of never understanding ourselves”
Paraphrase: The perpetual lack of self-understanding
Explanation: Refers to the ongoing struggle to understand oneself.
“and of threatening ourselves with death.”
Paraphrase: And of constantly putting ourselves in danger of death.
Explanation: Describes the tendency to live with the constant threat of self-destruction.
“Perhaps the Earth can teach us”
Paraphrase: Maybe we can learn from the Earth
Explanation: Suggests that nature has lessons to offer.
“as when everything seems dead”
Paraphrase: Like when everything appears lifeless
Explanation: Compares a moment of stillness to a state of apparent lifelessness.
“and later proves to be alive.”
Paraphrase: And later turns out to be alive.
Explanation: Implies that even when something seems dead, it can come back to life.
“Now I’ll count up to twelve”
Paraphrase: Now I will count from one to twelve,
Explanation: The speaker repeats the idea of counting to twelve.
“and you keep quiet and I will go.”
Paraphrase: And you remain silent while I leave.
Explanation: The speaker suggests that they will leave while others maintain silence.
Summary
Alright dear readers, today we’re going to explore a beautiful poem titled “Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda.” This poem is all about encouraging unity among people without any barriers of language or race. The poet wants us to imagine a world where everyone comes together as one, like a big team, for the first time ever. This would make us stronger and more connected.
The poet asks us to pause and stop using our hands for violence. This means we should stop fighting and arguing so much. It’s like taking a break from all the fighting. During this break, there would be less noise from machines and factories. This quiet time would bring all of us closer together. It’s like a special moment of peace that we can share.
In the poem, fishermen represent skilled hunters, and whales represent people who are oppressed or helpless. The poet is speaking up for those who are suffering. The poet wants us to think about how we hurt others and instead try to understand ourselves better.
The poet talks about how people are always in a hurry to achieve their goals and don’t take the time to really think about who they are. It’s like they’re rushing through life without looking inside themselves. The poet compares all of humanity to a person who collects salt. This person represents all of us. The poet wishes for a moment of peace where we can slow down and really think about our mistakes and how we can become better people.
The term “green wars” refers to wars where people use nature to hide or fight. The poet mentions “victory with no survivors,” which seems strange because in a war, winners usually celebrate. But the poet is saying that in war, many lives are lost, so there can’t be true victory. All wars happen because people don’t understand each other and don’t treat everyone equally. That’s why the poet emphasizes self-reflection.
The last part of the poem has two possible meanings. It could be about people who start wars and then pretend to be friends afterward, even though many lives were lost. Or it could be about realizing that war doesn’t lead to real happiness. Instead, if we understand each other, we can live peacefully without violence.
Now, don’t confuse the poet’s message with death. The poet is talking about life and wanting us to live it fully. It’s not about doing nothing, but about doing things at a slower pace, taking time to think.
The poet wants us to look at nature as an example. During winter, everything looks lifeless, but it’s just a phase. Nature goes through tough times but keeps going, rebuilding itself. It’s a lesson for us to keep moving forward even when things are tough.
So, students, the poet has shared this important message with us. They want us to think about unity, understanding, and slowing down to reflect on our actions. Just like that, the poet leaves us with these thoughts, knowing their work is done.
MCQ Latest NCERT pattern
1.What should we do when counting to twelve according to the poem?
- Speak in many languages
- Keep still (Correct Answer)
- Run around
- Shout loudly
2.In the exotic moment described in the poem, what is missing?
- Rush and engines (Correct Answer)
- Silence
- Whales
- Fishermen
3.What would the man gathering salt look at in the exotic moment?
- His hurt hands (Correct Answer)
- The sea
- His reflection
- The whales
4.In the exotic moment, what would those who prepare wars with gas and fire do?
- Continue fighting
- Put on clean clothes and do nothing (Correct Answer)
- Sing and dance
- Go to sleep
5.What is the poet’s attitude towards life in the poem?
- Total inactivity
- Keeping life moving (Correct Answer)
- Embracing death
- Seeking revenge
6.According to the poem, what might interrupt our sadness and threat of death?
- Continuous movement
- A huge silence (Correct Answer)
- Speaking in different languages
- Rush and engines
7.What could the earth teach us in the poem?
- To remain silent
- That everything is dead
- Threatening ourselves with death
- That seemingly dead things can come alive (Correct Answer)
8.What is the central message of the poem?
- The importance of war
- The need for constant activity
- The value of silence and stillness (Correct Answer)
- The futility of counting to twelve
9.Imagine a 26-year-old male patient admitted to the hospital. He’s been experiencing restlessness and anxiety. Which aspect of the poem’s message might help him?
- Counting to twelve
- Keeping still (Correct Answer)
- Embracing death
- Total inactivity
10.In the exotic moment, what are fishermen in the cold sea advised not to harm?
- Whales (Correct Answer)
- Fish
- Dolphins
- Seagulls
11.What type of wars does the poem mention as being prepared by some people?
- Green wars
- Pink wars
- Blue wars
- Red wars (Correct Answer)
12.In the poem, what does the poet desire in the exotic moment?
- Total inactivity
- A huge silence (Correct Answer)
- Busy chaos
- Counting to twelve
13.According to the poem, what could the earth teach us?
- The value of war
- The significance of total inactivity
- The possibility of life after death
- That seemingly dead things can come alive (Correct Answer)
14.How might the poem’s message be interpreted in the context of contemporary society and technology?
- As a call for increased activity and productivity
- As an endorsement of war and conflict
- As an exploration of the value of silence and stillness (Correct Answer)
- As a prediction of a future devoid of life
15.A 30-year-old female patient is experiencing high stress and a constant urge to remain busy. How might the message of the poem apply to her situation?
- Counting to twelve
- Embracing death
- A huge silence (Correct Answer)
- Total inactivity
Extra Question & Answers
- What can we learn from this poem about nature?
Answer: This poem teaches us valuable lessons about nature. We should embrace brotherhood and tranquility, avoiding harm to both humans and animals, and refraining from engaging in wars.
- What does ‘total inactivity’ mean?
Answer: ‘Total inactivity’ in the poem refers to a state of calmness in the sea, preventing harm to aquatic creatures like whales and the collection of resources from the sea.
- Why does the poet appear sad in the poem?
Answer: The poet’s sadness stems from the prevalent inhumanity among people. They have forgotten the essence of brotherhood, become selfish, and prioritize personal gain over helping others, even resorting to harm for their peace.
- Why did the poet choose to use the term “Total Inactivity”?
Answer: Pablo Neruda wanted to promote humanity and peace, emphasizing the need to pause in our busy lives. This momentary stillness can spread happiness throughout the world, bringing people together in a shared sense of tranquility.
- Do you sense a hint of sadness in the poem?
Answer: Yes, the poem conveys a sense of sadness as the poet is deeply concerned about the current state of humanity. He believes that people have forsaken brotherhood and embraced selfishness, willing to harm others for their own well-being.
- What does “green war” symbolize?
Answer: “Green wars” symbolize conflicts without the use of harmful gases and fires. They serve as a call to humanity, highlighting the destructive nature of their selfishness and the importance of rediscovering brotherhood, instead of engaging in brutal and destructive actions.
- What is the meaning of “exotic moment” in the poem?
Answer: The “exotic moment” that Pablo Neruda envisions is a time when humanity is free from selfishness and brutality. It is a moment of tranquility, where the noisy machines and engines cease, allowing peace to prevail.
- How can a momentary pause benefit humanity?
Answer: According to Pablo Neruda, taking a momentary pause, such as counting to twelve and keeping quiet, can temporarily create an unusual stillness. This stillness can bring people together, eliminating the cacophony of engines and multilingual conversations, fostering a sense of unity.
- What will counting to twelve and keeping quiet help us achieve?
Answer: Counting to twelve and keeping quiet will allow for a brief period of reflection and introspection, silencing the myriad languages and noises. This will help us achieve a sense of togetherness, which is vital for humanity’s survival.
- What is the sadness referred to by the poet, Pablo Neruda, in the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’?
Answer: The sadness in the poem relates to people’s lack of time for themselves, their failure to understand their desires, and their inability to introspect. This leads to a sense of melancholy as they are caught in a perpetual cycle of busyness.
- Does the poet endorse total inactivity and death? Why?
Answer: No, the poet does not advocate total inactivity or death. He calls for stillness as a means to halt inhuman and destructive activities, particularly those related to war. He seeks peace and a chance to live harmoniously.
- What are the different types of wars mentioned in the poem, and what is Neruda’s stance on these wars?
Answer: The poem mentions green wars, wars involving poisonous gases, wars with fire, and wars with ammunition. Neruda’s stance is clear: all forms of war are futile and should be abandoned. He believes that victory in war brings no real success, only loss on both sides.
Founder of Englishfry.com, a captivating and knowledge-driven blog & Founder of Android app/website Studyfunnel.com, an online Mock Test Series Portal. With a wealth of experience spanning over 16+ years, he has excelled as an Ex-professor, Teacher, Author of Book “Island of Illusion”, Website Developer, Graphic Designer,Blogger,Poet, and Creative academic content writer. His tryst in Literature helped him realize his love for writing and telling stories. A tech-savvy language nerd by day and, a passionate writer by night, he now translates his experiences into tales of wisdom served with a side of humor.His widely recognized profound insights ,captivating writing style makes him contribute to prestigious publications and a sought-after authority in the field.
