KEEPING QUIET

- Pablo Neruda

About the Poet

 Pablo Neruda (1904-1973) was a Chilean poet and diplomat

 Born Neftalí Ricardo Reyes Basoalto

 Won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971

 Known for his surrealistic, political, and love poetry

 "Keeping Quiet" is from his collection Extravagaria (1958)

Theme and Central Idea

 Peace and self-reflection: The poem advocates for a moment of universal stillness and
introspection

 Environmental consciousness: Critiques human destruction of nature and calls for harmony
with the earth

 Anti-war sentiment: Written during Cold War tensions, promotes pacifism and unity

 Introspection over action: Suggests that sometimes inaction is more powerful than action

 Universal brotherhood: Emphasizes the shared humanity that transcends national, linguistic,
and cultural boundaries

Poetic Devices and Techniques

 Symbolism:

 Counting to twelve - brief, achievable period of reflection

 Fishermen - those who take from nature

 Green wars - environmental destruction

 Arms - both human limbs and weapons (dual meaning)

 Salt - essential element of life

 Imagery:

 Visual imagery of stillness and cessation of activity

 Images of nature (sea, earth) contrasted with human activity

 ‘Strange moment’ - the powerful potential of collective silence

 Paradox:

 Inaction as a form of action

 Silence as a form of communication

 Stillness as movement toward understanding

 Repetition:

 ‘Would not’ emphasizes the things that wouldn't happen in that moment of
quietness

 Reinforces the idea of universal pause

  Tone: Meditative, contemplative, hopeful yet urgent

Structure and Form

 Free verse with no fixed rhyme scheme

 Conversational, direct address to the reader

 Use of stanzas to develop ideas progressively

 Simple, accessible language with profound meaning

 Balance between negative statements (what would not happen) and positive possibilities

Key Lines for Analysis

1. "Now we will count to twelve / and we will all keep still."

 Opening establishes the central concept of temporary, collective silence

 "We" creates inclusivity and shared responsibility

2. "For once on the face of the earth, / let's not speak in any language; / let's stop for one
second, / and not move our arms so much."

 Emphasizes universal human connection beyond language

 Critiques constant activity and motion

3. "Fishermen in the cold sea / would not harm whales"

 Ecological concern, highlighting human impact on nature

 Suggests how stillness might interrupt destructive patterns

4. "What I want should not be confused / with total inactivity."

 Clarifies that the poem advocates mindful stillness, not passivity

 Distinguishes between thoughtless inaction and purposeful pause

5. "Life is what it is about; / I want no truck with death."

 Affirms life rather than destruction

 Rejects violence and war (contextual to Cold War era)

6. "Perhaps the earth can teach us / as when everything seems dead / and later proves to be
alive."

 Personifies earth as teacher

 Suggests renewal and regeneration through apparent stillness

 Answer the following:

1. What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

Counting up to twelve and keeping still can help us achieve:

Unity: It fosters a sense of togetherness among humanity.

Peace: It allows for a moment of tranquility and calmness.

Reflection: It prompts us to contemplate our actions and behaviors.

Introspection: It encourages self-examination and understanding.

 Breaking the cycle: It helps disrupt the cycle of noise, chaos, and violence.

Shared humanity: It reminds us of our interconnectedness as human beings.

Transformation: It can lead to personal and collective growth and change.

2. What is the ‘sadness’ that the poet refers to in the poem?

Ans. In the poem "Keeping Quiet," the "sadness" that the poet refers to is the pain and suffering
experienced by individuals and communities due to various reasons such as conflict, division, and
lack of understanding among people. The poet suggests that this sadness can be mitigated or
overcome through the act of stillness, introspection, and unity. By practicing silence and
contemplation, individuals can break free from the cycle of violence and chaos, leading to a sense of
peace and harmony. The "sadness" serves as a catalyst for the poet's call to action, urging readers to
reflect upon their own roles in creating a more empathetic and compassionate world.

3. What does Neruda mean by ‘an exotic moment without rush’ in his poem, ‘Keeping Quiet’?

Ans. In the poem "Keeping Quiet," when Pablo Neruda refers to "an exotic moment without rush,"
he is describing a unique and extraordinary moment of stillness and tranquility. Here's what he
means by that phrase:

1. Exotic: The word "exotic" suggests something rare, unusual, or unfamiliar. Neruda is
emphasizing that this moment of stillness and quiet is distinct from our everyday
experiences.

2. Moment: It refers to a specific point in time, highlighting the temporary nature of this serene
state. It is an opportunity to pause and be fully present in the current moment.

3. Without rush: The absence of rush signifies a lack of haste or urgency. It implies a deliberate
slowing down and letting go of the fast-paced, busy nature of our lives. It's a time to pause,
reflect, and be free from the pressures of time.

Neruda encourages us to embrace and appreciate this extraordinary moment of stillness, which
allows us to break away from the constant rush and noise of the world. It presents an opportunity for
self-reflection, introspection, and a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.

4. What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there can be life under apparent
stillness?

Ans. In the poem "Keeping Quiet," the poet Pablo Neruda invokes the symbol of a tree to illustrate
that there can be life under apparent stillness. Here's how he conveys this idea:

Tree as a symbol: The poet uses the tree as a representation of nature's resilience and hidden vitality.
Trees may appear still and motionless, but beneath the surface, they are teeming with life.

Life in stillness: By referring to the tree, Neruda suggests that just as a tree appears dormant and
motionless during certain seasons, there is an unseen life force at work within it. This implies that
even in moments of apparent stillness, there is a vibrant and active existence.

Nature's example: The poet draws upon the natural world to emphasize that life can thrive even in
moments when external appearances might suggest otherwise. It serves as a metaphor for the
potential for growth, renewal, and transformation that lies within each individual.

Through the symbol of the tree, Neruda encourages us to recognize that beneath the surface of
apparent stillness, there is a richness and vitality that can be discovered and nurtured. It reminds us
to appreciate the hidden depths of life and find meaning even in moments that may seem quiet or
stagnant.
5. Give two reasons why, according to Pablo Neruda, is ‘keeping quiet’ essential to attaining a
better, more peaceful world.

Ans. 'Keeping Quiet' is essential to attaining a more peaceful world as it:

 Makes us introspect and reflect upon our actions.

 Helps us better understand ourselves and what we want.

 Enables us to realize that many of our mindless actions are only harming us and not giving us
happiness.

6. In a world that is constantly running after ‘more’ and chasing the next new thing, would it be
fair to think of Neruda’s call as merely a fanciful idea?

Ans. No, because of the following reasons:

1. Relevance of stillness: In a fast-paced world consumed by the pursuit of material gain and
instant gratification, Neruda's call for stillness and introspection holds significant value. It
serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and connect with ourselves and others beyond the
relentless pursuit of more.

2. Countering the cycle: Neruda's call to break the cycle of noise, chaos, and violence is a
profound message that challenges the status quo. It encourages individuals to question the
incessant chase for "more" and consider alternative paths toward unity, peace, and deeper
understanding.

3. Importance of introspection: The idea of stillness and introspection has practical benefits.
Taking a moment to reflect allows individuals to gain clarity, make conscious choices, and
cultivate a sense of inner peace. It can lead to personal growth, empathy, and a more
meaningful existence.

Therefore, rather than dismissing Neruda's call as fanciful, it is important to recognize its
relevance and potential to counterbalance the constant pursuit of "more" and bring about
positive change on both individual and collective levels.

7. The world has become a global village, and people across boundaries, nationalities, and
communities are now connected to one another.

With the advancement of technology, and the advent of social media, do you think that the task of
keeping quiet, as envisaged by Neruda, has become easier or more complicated? Justify your
stance.

Ans. With the advancement of technology and the global interconnectedness brought about by
social media, the task of keeping quiet, as envisioned by Neruda in the poem "Keeping Quiet," has
become more complicated rather than easier. Here's a justification for this stance:

1. Constant stimulation: Technology and social media provide a constant influx of information,
notifications, and distractions. The ease of access to news, updates, and virtual interactions
keeps individuals engaged and connected at all times. This constant stimulation makes it
challenging to find moments of stillness and silence.

2. Fear of missing out: Social media platforms foster a fear of missing out (FOMO) mentality,
where individuals feel compelled to be continuously connected, informed, and engaged. This
fear drives the desire for constant activity and engagement, leaving little room for quiet
contemplation.

3. Shortened attention spans: The digital age has led to shorter attention
spans and a preference for quick, bite-sized content. This can make it
 difficult for individuals to invest the time and focus required for deep
introspection and silence.
4. Comparison and validation: Social media often promotes a culture of
comparison and seeking validation through likes, comments, and shares.
This constant need for external validation can hinder the ability to
disconnect and find solace in silence.
However, it is important to note that technology and social media can also be used as tools to
promote mindfulness, self-reflection, and meaningful connections. It ultimately depends on how
individuals choose to utilize these platforms and their conscious efforts to create boundaries,
prioritize stillness, and disconnect when needed.

8. It could be said that the poem ‘Keeping Quiet’ presents the poet’s philosophy for a different
kind of world.

If you were asked to highlight elements of Neruda’s vision that resonate in your specific social,
political, and cultural context, which three main ideas would you engage with?

Use relevant textual details to support your analysis.

Ans. Here are the three main ideas from Neruda's vision in "Keeping Quiet" that resonate in today's
context:

1. Unity and Interconnectedness: Neruda emphasizes coming together and recognizing our
shared humanity.

2. Breaking the Cycle of Violence: He calls for a pause to reflect and find alternative ways to
resolve conflicts.

3. Personal Responsibility and Transformation: Neruda highlights the importance of self-

reflection and individual contributions to positive change.

These ideas are relevant in our social, political, and cultural context, promoting empathy, peace, and
personal growth.

Practice questions:

Q1. Both Pablo Neruda's 'Keeping Quiet' and John Keats's 'A Thing of Beauty' suggest that
contemplation offers an escape from the troubles of the world, though they propose different
paths to inner peace. Compare and contrast how these two poems explore the relationship
between introspection and tranquility.

Introduce both poems and their central themes related to peace and introspection. Establish your
thesis about their similarities and differences in approaching contemplation as a path to peace.

 Analyse how Neruda proposes collective silence and stillness as a path to peace and how
Keats proposes beauty and aesthetic appreciation as a path to peace

 Examine the line "Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still" and the line "A thing
of beauty is a joy forever"

 Discuss the universal, communal approach to introspection and how Keats suggests
individual contemplation of beauty as healing

 Highlight how Neruda suggests that pausing human activity allows for deeper connection
and how natural beauty provides "a bower quiet for us" in times of trouble

Compare the poets' views on nature's role in fostering introspection

  Neruda's view of humanity's harmful relationship with nature ("fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales")

 Keats's view of nature as a source of beauty that "binds us to the earth"

 How both poets suggest nature has restorative powers

Contrast the social/political versus personal dimensions

 Neruda's political context and call for collective action through inaction

 Keats's more personal approach to finding peace amid "the inhuman dearth of noble
natures"

Q2. Nature serves as both a mirror and a contrast to human experience in 'A Roadside Stand' by
Robert Frost, 'My Mother at Sixty-Six' by Kamala Das, and 'A Thing of Beauty' by John Keats.
Compare how these poets use natural imagery to explore deeper human concerns."

Frost's portrayal of rural nature in conflict with urban progress

 The roadside stand as a symbol of rural life being overtaken

 Natural setting highlighting economic desperation

 The painful contrast between pastoral ideals and harsh reality

Kamala Das's use of natural imagery to confront mortality

 The ‘merry children’ and trees ‘sprinting’ with her aging mother

 Nature as vibrant life force highlighting human frailty

 The cyclical aspects of nature versus the linear path of human aging

Keats's depiction of nature as transcendent and healing

 Natural elements (sun, moon, trees, daffodils) as sources of enduring beauty

 Nature as an eternal force that sustains humans through "dark days"

 The aesthetic appreciation of nature as spiritually nourishing

Comparative analysis of how each poet's cultural and historical context shapes their view of nature

 Frost's American rural-urban divide

 Kamala Das's Indian cultural context and mother-daughter relationship

 Keats's Romantic era idealization of natural beauty

Synthesize how these poets, despite their different approaches, all use nature as a powerful lens
through which to examine human fears, hopes, and social conditions.

Q3. Adrienne Rich's 'Aunt Jennifer's Tigers' and Pablo Neruda's 'Keeping Quiet' both explore
themes of confinement and liberation, though they approach these themes from different
perspectives. Compare how these poems examine restrictions on human freedom and suggest
paths toward liberation.

Rich's portrayal of gender-based confinement

 Aunt Jennifer's physical confinement symbolized by the "weight of Uncle's wedding band"

 The creative expression through needlework as a limited form of escape

  The contrast between the proud tigers and Aunt Jennifer's fear

Neruda's portrayal of societal and self-imposed confinement

 Humanity trapped in cycles of violence and environmental destruction

 The confinement of constant activity Which made the poet instruct "not move our arms so
much"

 The limitations imposed by language and cultural divisions

Compare the poets' visions of liberation

 Rich's vicarious liberation through art (the tigers that "do not fear the men beneath the
tree")

 Neruda's collective liberation through conscious stillness

 The role of imagination in both visions of freedom

Contrast the individual versus collective approaches to liberation

 Rich's focus on individual female experience in a patriarchal system

 Neruda's emphasis on universal human connection beyond divisions