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Keeping Quiet: A Poetic Reflection

The poem "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda discusses the benefits of silence and introspection. It suggests that if humans stopped arguing, competing and being violent/aggressive, there could be greater peace and understanding. The poet advocates spending time in calm reflection rather than haste. If people changed destructive attitudes towards nature and the environment, and instead felt connection and friendship, there could be more brotherhood on Earth.

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Anwesha Kar, XII B, Roll No:11
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705 views5 pages

Keeping Quiet: A Poetic Reflection

The poem "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda discusses the benefits of silence and introspection. It suggests that if humans stopped arguing, competing and being violent/aggressive, there could be greater peace and understanding. The poet advocates spending time in calm reflection rather than haste. If people changed destructive attitudes towards nature and the environment, and instead felt connection and friendship, there could be more brotherhood on Earth.

Uploaded by

Anwesha Kar, XII B, Roll No:11
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to 'Keeping Quiet' by Pablo Neruda
  • Stanza 1 Interpretation
  • Stanza 3 Interpretation
  • Stanza 2 Interpretation
  • Stanza 5 Interpretation
  • Stanza 4 Interpretation
  • Refrain Emphasis
  • Stanza 6 Interpretation
  • Stanza 7 Interpretation
  • Writing Task

OM SAI RAM

KEEPING QUIET
PABLO NERUDA
In KEEPING QUIET the poet talks about the necessity of quiet
introspection and creating a feeling of mutual understanding among
human beings. SWAMI says ALL ARE ONE BE ALIKE TO EVERYONE.
 In the First Stanza the poet says we should count to twelve
which is a fraction of [Link] says we should be motionless
and quiet , think before acting and instead of being hasty, be
a witness. We should spend time in calm reflection.

 In the Second Stanza the poet says for once on the earth let
us not involve ourselves in arguments and litigations. Let us
stop whatever we are doing and reflect for a [Link] not
be violent and aggressive( move our arms…)

 In the Third Stanza the poet says if we keep calm it would be


an exotic ( unusual or exciting) moment because it will be
without us rushing about, without traffic and the normal
hustle and bustle. But we would find this situation strange
because it would be smooth , pleasant and peaceful.
 In the Fourth Stanza the poet says if we would reflect then
the fishermen in the sea would not harm whales and other
living beings. Man would not destroy himself like the man
gathering salt hurts his own hands.

 In Stanza Five the poet says those who wage war against the
environment like Deforestation( green wars) , war with
chemicals like poisonous gas during wars, wars with fire like
arms and bombs.. where there may be victory but no
survivors. If all these people would change their attitude (
put on clean clothes) and walk with each other like brothers
in truce (shade) , feeling togetherness and amity (friendship)
there would be brotherhood on this earth.
 In the Sixth Stanza the poet says that what he is talking about
should not be confused with death. Line 3.. Life goes on as
usual. He says what he’s talking about should not be confused
with death . We should stop single mindedly trying to pursue
our goals , always competing with each other and for once sit
quietly. Then in this silence a peace will descend upon us . But
ironically we will also feel a sadness that we have failed to
understand that by threatening nature we threaten ourselves
with death and man is the author of his own destruction.

 In the last stanza the poet says perhaps we can take a lesson
from earth which seems inert but is alive. Eg the earth moves
around the sun but we cannot feel it. Nature is alive on the
earth but it seems still.

 The poet ends with the refrain emphasising that if we keep


quiet and introspect he will go away.
 WRITING TASK :
 Why does the poet advovate silence ? 30..40 words

 Please take down these notes in your text book.

OM SAI RAM KEEPING QUIET PABLO NERUDA In KEEPING QUIET the poet talks about the necessity of quiet introspection and creat
In the First Stanza the poet says we should count to twelve which is a fraction of time.He says we should be motionless an
In the Fourth Stanza the poet says if we would reflect then the fishermen in the sea would not harm whales and other livin
In the Sixth Stanza the poet says that what he is talking about should not be confused with death. Line 3.. Life goes on as
WRITING TASK : Why does the poet advovate silence ? 30..40 words Please take down these notes in your text book.

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