About the Poem
Keeping Quiet is a Class 12 English Flamingo Book Poem 3 from the CBSE curriculum. Keeping Quiet Summary, Question Answers, and New Words can all be found on this Vedantu page. Pablo Neruda wrote the poem in Spanish, but it was eventually translated into English. The major subject was the significance of mindfulness, introspection, and retrospection in leading to attention, oneness, and fraternity.
It was an appeal to take a step back and look at something that had become ingrained in a daily flurry of human habit: People are persuaded to blindly perform what is expected of them, oblivious to the impact on nature and society.
Keeping Quiet Introduction
Pablo Neruda's poem "Keeping Quiet" highlights the importance of sustaining peace and silence. He emphasizes being peaceful and non-harmful to humans, animals, and the environment. He claims that to sustain peace and harmony, we must take time to pause and reflect. Keeping Quiet poem is written in free verse and hence has no rhyme scheme.
Pablo Neruda- Keeping Quiet
Pablo Neruda (1904–1973) was a notable Chilean poet, diplomat, and politician who used the pen name and then the legal name Pablo Neruda. He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971. Green ink was his emblem for passion and hope, and he wrote in it. His writings are straightforward, which is part of their appeal.
The crux of this poem, which was originally composed in Spanish, is centered on introspection and retrospection. For us to be at peace with ourselves and others, the poet believes that some soul–searching is required.
The Theme of the Poem
The poem Keeping Quiet is, in essence, anti-war poetry. The poet is worried about violence, animal brutality, and the fate of manual laborers. Many of our social, political, and religious problems can be solved in a very easy way, according to the poet. Self-introspection is the answer. It will be the first big step toward bringing people together if it is implemented. The second phase is for everyone to examine themselves and determine what is wrong and who is to blame. This will purify every heart and elevate everyone.
FAQs on Keeping Quiet Summary: A Poem by Pablo Neruda
1. What is the central theme of Pablo Neruda's poem, 'Keeping Quiet'?
The central theme of 'Keeping Quiet' is the urgent need for quiet introspection and the cultivation of mutual understanding among all people. The poet, Pablo Neruda, argues that by pausing our relentless activities and observing a moment of silence, we can reflect on the destructive nature of our actions and foster a universal feeling of peace and brotherhood, ultimately healing both humanity and the planet.
2. What does the poet mean by asking us to 'count to twelve' and 'keep still'?
Counting to twelve is a symbolic act representing a brief and manageable period of time, like the hours on a clock or the months in a year. By asking us to 'count to twelve and keep still', the poet is calling for a short, collective pause from our daily routines. This moment of silence is intended for self-reflection, allowing us to understand ourselves, our actions, and our relationship with the natural world.
3. Does the poet advocate for total inactivity or death in 'Keeping Quiet'?
No, the poet explicitly clarifies this misconception. He states, "What I want should not be confused with total inactivity. Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death." The stillness he promotes is a productive and regenerative pause, not the end of all activity. It's a moment to cease harmful actions like war and environmental damage, not to stop living.
4. How does the Earth serve as a powerful symbol in the poem?
The poet uses the Earth as a symbol to illustrate that life can persist and thrive even within apparent stillness. During winter, the Earth seems dormant and lifeless, but this is a period of quiet rejuvenation. In spring, it proves its vitality with new growth. This serves as a powerful analogy for humanity: a period of quiet introspection can lead to a renewal of purpose and a more peaceful existence, proving that stillness is not death but a phase of regeneration.
5. What are the key poetic devices used in 'Keeping Quiet' to enhance its message?
Pablo Neruda employs several poetic devices to convey his message effectively in 'Keeping Quiet'. Key examples include:
- Symbolism: 'Counting to twelve' symbolises a measure of time for introspection, and the 'Earth' symbolises the coexistence of stillness and life.
- Repetition: The phrases 'let's' and 'without' are used to create a sense of collective appeal and unity.
- Antithesis: The poet contrasts the concepts of 'stillness' and 'total inactivity' to precisely define his vision of introspection.
- Metaphor: 'Clean clothes' represent a fresh, peaceful perspective, free from the stains of past conflicts.
6. Why does the poet specifically mention examples like 'fishermen in the cold sea' and 'the man gathering salt'?
These specific examples illustrate the two main types of violence the poet wishes to halt: violence against nature and violence against oneself. The 'fishermen... not harming whales' represents the harm humans inflict upon the environment. The 'man gathering salt looking at his hurt hands' symbolises the self-inflicted pain and suffering caused by our relentless, unthinking labour. A moment of stillness would allow both to recognise and stop this harm.
7. What is the primary difference between the 'stillness' advocated by the poet and the 'sadness' he mentions?
The 'stillness' the poet advocates for is a positive, voluntary state of conscious introspection and peace. In contrast, the 'sadness' he describes stems from 'never understanding ourselves' and the constant rush of activity that distracts us from our existential fears. This sadness is a negative state born from a lack of reflection, while the proposed stillness is the very antidote to it, offering a path to self-understanding and harmony.
