Verbo by Pablo Neruda - Essay Example

There are relatively large amounts of stanzas in this poem, but they are all somewhat uniform in the sense that there seem to be a similar amount of words utilized in each standard. Of course, it is not perfectly measured, but one could tell that Neruda did this with some intention.

IV. Traits and Examples/Explanations
There is a lot of alliteration in this poem (in Spanish), and it seems that is where most of this poem’s charm comes from. The usage of metaphors is interesting, vivid, and alive. Rhythm and rhyme are also key to this poem, as most of the words on the end of each line rhyme to some extent—while the overall rhythm of the poem keeps one engaged and reading. The sounds are thrilling.

V. Theme
It is proposed that the theme of this poem has to do with the way language is used and how that can affect a person. This poem is a classic because it not only has an impressive usage of imagery, but the words in Spanish are so powerful and masterfully utilized that—even if one could not understand the Spanish language—the language itself would be provocative enough.

VI. Evaluation
This poem is exceptionally well-thought-out and planned. Even if Neruda had written this from scratch, it still would have turned out to be a very effective poem. The element that is the strongest—at least, in the opinion of this writer—is the fact that Neruda ends the poem with a bang. Neruda talks about breaking virginal stone. Now, what that means exactly is unclear. However, it has somewhat of an esoteric connection and it seems that he was trying to penetrate a completely different level of consciousness using this language.

VII. Personal Reactions
Personally, this poem is somewhat offensive in the sense that the phrase ‘virginal stone’ is a bit of an unvarnished image, to which it is not quite comprehensible what Neruda was trying to do other than get peoples’ attention. However, it is still nonetheless a compelling visual image and something that makes Neruda great in terms of being a writer, because he was able to evoke that image.

VIII. Conclusion
This poem has been analyzed in all of its entirety, including the following elements: what type of poem it is; the paraphrases of stanzas; traits and examples or explanations; theme; evaluation; and personal reactions to the poem itself.

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