"The Word" By pablo Neruda
Topic: Consider and discuss the idea of how individuals know and learn, and have shared experiences through language. What do these suggest about the human need to communicate through narrative?
A Personal/Analytical Response using the text “The Word” by Pablo Neruda
Born to Speak Since the age of Adam and Eve, humans have had a natural instinct to communicate and this is part of what sets us apart from other species. In the poem The Word, by Pablo Neruda, the author personifies the word by stating how it’s “born in the blood” and that it “grew in the dark body”. This leaves the reader with the impression that the word is something that is born within ourselves and it grows trapped inside of us. The author goes on to describe how the word was “beating” and how it “flew through the lips and mouth”. This helps to create an image showcasing the struggle the “word” had to go through. It was beating inside of us, in our hearts, until we could no longer contain it. Then it flew through our lips and mouth. Essentially, we let it free. The personification of the “word” highlights the importance of the idea that words are a part of our soul and they “grow” as we grow. Neruda personifies the word again by describing how “the atmosphere quivers with the initial word”, how the word was “dressed up in terror and sighing” and how it “emerged from the darkness”. This helps to set an almost frightening and suspenseful mood that one would expect when something unique and new appears that one has not witnessed before. Words essentially emerged out of nothingness and it started a ripple-like effect. Our first form of communication happens as we are newly born and we cry or laugh because that is the only way we know to share our feelings. These first words are something that cannot be understood. They are just a noise. However, as we grow and listen to those around us, we learn to speak a language that others can also understand. As Neruda writes, “…the word fills with
A Personal/Analytical Response using the text “The Word” by Pablo Neruda
Born to Speak Since the age of Adam and Eve, humans have had a natural instinct to communicate and this is part of what sets us apart from other species. In the poem The Word, by Pablo Neruda, the author personifies the word by stating how it’s “born in the blood” and that it “grew in the dark body”. This leaves the reader with the impression that the word is something that is born within ourselves and it grows trapped inside of us. The author goes on to describe how the word was “beating” and how it “flew through the lips and mouth”. This helps to create an image showcasing the struggle the “word” had to go through. It was beating inside of us, in our hearts, until we could no longer contain it. Then it flew through our lips and mouth. Essentially, we let it free. The personification of the “word” highlights the importance of the idea that words are a part of our soul and they “grow” as we grow. Neruda personifies the word again by describing how “the atmosphere quivers with the initial word”, how the word was “dressed up in terror and sighing” and how it “emerged from the darkness”. This helps to set an almost frightening and suspenseful mood that one would expect when something unique and new appears that one has not witnessed before. Words essentially emerged out of nothingness and it started a ripple-like effect. Our first form of communication happens as we are newly born and we cry or laugh because that is the only way we know to share our feelings. These first words are something that cannot be understood. They are just a noise. However, as we grow and listen to those around us, we learn to speak a language that others can also understand. As Neruda writes, “…the word fills with