Biography
Pablo Neruda was an internationally renowned Chilean poet and statesman who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1971. He was born Neftalí Ricardo Reyes Basoalto in Parral, Chile on July 12th, 1904. He adopted his pen name in homage to the Czech poet Jan Neruda.
From a young age, Neruda displayed an aptitude for words, memorizing entire books and writing his own poetry by age 10. He published his first book of poetry, Crepusculario, at the age of 20, which was very successful in his home country. He continued to write and publish poetry and even wrote his first novel, Venticinco Poemas de Amor y una Cancion Desesperada in 1924.
Neruda also entered a career in politics and held a position in the Chilean Senate from 1945-1949. He was later appointed Ambassador to France, where he served from 1970-1972. While in France, Neruda attended the Nobel Prize Award ceremony in 1971.
Health Issues
Neruda displayed symptoms of prostate cancer while in his post in France. He returned to Chile in 1972 and was treated for the cancer, which was initially very successful. Unfortunately, he had a relapse the following year which could not be stopped and he died of a heart attack in Santiago on September 23rd, 1973.
Neruda had been known to suffer from allergies and respiratory problems earlier in life, but until his illness these did not appear to have had a major impact on his health. Some people have speculated that his prostate cancer was caused by exposure to chemical weapons produced in a toxic dump near Santiago in the early 20th century.
Theories of Death
Despite being officially declared to have died from complications from prostate cancer, there is still speculation as to whether Neruda was actually poisoned. This theory was first proposed by his long time personal physician, Claudio Gazitúa. Gazitúa was very vocal in his insistence that Neruda was assassinated by the Chilean Government.
The Medical Examiner of Santiago, Dr. Campos, refuted the murder accusations and maintained that Neruda died of natural causes. The doctor’s reports stated that Neruda died of systemic sepsis due to prostatitis and iron deficiency anemia, which can be symptoms of advanced prostate cancer.
Legacy
Neruda’s legacy is far-reaching, both in Chile and internationally. He is seen as a major figure in Latin American literature and is celebrated globally for his passionate and powerful poetry. Neruda received numerous accolades throughout his life, including two National Indie awards, the International Peace Prize and, posthumously, the Lenin Peace Prize.
Neruda’s literary work has been translated into several languages and is loved by audiences all over the world. His influence can also be found in other forms of art, such as music. His poetry has inspired many rock and folk singers, including Bob Dylan, who performs one of his most famous songs, “I Do Not Ask That My Love Be Returned”, as a tribute to Neruda.
Statues and Memorials
There are many statues and memorials which recognize Neruda’s work and legacy around the world. His native country of Chile has erected several statues in his honor, including a full-body depiction of the poet in Parral, where he was born. In addition, the Chilean government established ‘The Pablo Neruda Peace Park’ in the capital of Santiago, to honor the poet’s legacy.
In 2003, a bronze bust of Neruda was unveiled in Madrid and his works can be found in printed form in libraries and bookstores all over the world. Neruda is also honored annually, through the ‘Pablo Neruda Prize’, an award given to Latin American authors in recognition of their work in literature.
Influence on Other Poets
Neruda’s influence on other poets is undeniable. He has been described as a poet “who speaks to us and for us in our moments of passion and pain.” His works and words have inspired many to follow in his footsteps, including Chilean poet and novelist Isabel Allende, who has said “he touched my life with his essence”.
Neruda was known for his love of freedom and his political activism, which other poets have taken as inspiration for their own work. He believed that art and poetry could be used to tell the truth and to fight injustice and oppression. His passion for politics was also evident in his life, as he used his status as a poet and politician to bring about change for the betterment of society.
The Controversy of His Legacy
Whilst Neruda’s influence on his home country is undeniable, his legacy has been controversial as there have been accusations of Communist leanings and collaborations in the past. These accusations have been denied by the Communist party, but the controversy has led to some debates regarding the veracity of Neruda’s works and their ideologies.
At the same time, many believe that Neruda should be celebrated for his legacy of promoting the labor movement, the spread of cultural understanding, and highlighting Chilean identity. His works have helped define Chile’s cultural and political identity, contributing to the rights of the people in their home country.
Rediscovering His Works
Neruda is still celebrated to this day and his influence is still felt. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest of his works and he has garnered a new generation of admirers. His works are still widely read and appreciated and his legacy still remains.
Neruda had a knack for words and describing things in a way that resonates with people. His often fantastical, humorous and unique descriptions of the world have inspired many to “look up”, to explore, and to dream. He encouraged readers to pay attention to their world and to not be afraid to engage with it.
Contemporary Works Inspired by Neruda
Neruda’s influence remains strong in the modern world and can be seen in the works of other contemporary poets. American poet, Tracy K. Smith, has made several references to Neruda’s works in her own poetry, including her citation of Neruda’s famous lines, “You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming”.
The influence can also be seen in the work of Mexican poet, Jorge Enrique Adoum, who has said that his work Is “dedicated to the memory of my Masters: Walt Whitman, Pablo Neruda and Rubén Darío”. Like Neruda, Adoum includes political and social analysis in his poetry as a way to tackle the subjects of exile and oppression.
Neruda and the Nobel Prize
Pablo Neruda was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971, but he personally declined the prize. After a long period of reflection, he eventually accepted the award and personally attended the award ceremonies in Stockholm.
Upon attending, Neruda delivered a speech to the audience in which he expressed himself and his poetic works as “a modest effort” and, in closing, promised to “continue trying to free this world from hunger and from all the trappings of oppression”. His speech remained true to Neruda’s own philosophy and highlighted his dedication to fighting oppression.
Tributes and Homages
Since his death in 1973, numerous tributes to Neruda’s life and his works have been paid globally. Latin American countries such as Chile and Mexico, particularly, have made efforts to honor his memory. In Mexico, his works are part of the public school curriculum, and statues and memorials have been erected in both countries.
In Chile, a series of concerts and performances have taken place to honor the poet’s works and his legacy. Establishments such as the National Library of Chile and the Pablo Neruda Foundation organise regular events to celebrate and remember the poet.
Influence in Popular Culture
The influence of Neruda’s works is still seen in popular culture to this day. His poem “Tonight I Can Write” features heavily in the world-famous track “Killing Me Softly” by Roberta Flack. Additionally, Enrique Iglesias released the album ‘Cosas del Amor’, a tribute to the poet, which includes interpretations of his love poems. Finally, several of Neruda’s works have been turned into operas, and have inspired many celebrated composers.
