Overview of Poem
When I Die by Pablo Neruda is a poem about mortality and saying goodbye to life. Neruda speaks of his death without fear or sadness, instead it is as if he is treating it as a journey. He speaks of a sleep that will come to him in which he will not be revived, yet he speaks of a happiness afterwards as if he will realize his purpose when he is dead. Neruda’s poetry is often filled with allusions to nature, and this poem is no exception, as he speaks of the ways in which a person’s life can blossom and then fade away, like the growth and collapse of a flower.
Neruda’s When I Die poem is divided into four stanzas. In the first stanza, Neruda outlines his journey of death and his feelings about it. In the second and third stanzas he speaks of the things that will remain even after his passing, and how his death can leave something positive in the world, such as a poem or an idea that will linger even after he is gone. In the fourth stanza he speaks of the blissful sleep he will take in death and the beauty that will accompany it.
When I Die has been said to represent Neruda’s acceptance of death, with him taking ownership of the inevitable and making it a conscious choice. By speaking of what will remain in death and the beauty that can come from it, Neruda is suggesting that life’s purpose is passed on even after death. The poem is a reflection on Neruda’s own mortality and his desire to accept the inevitability of death as something sacred and beautiful, rather than something to be feared.
Rhyme Scheme and Structure
When I Die has a simple rhyme scheme. The lines in each stanza are written in a traditional aabbccdd format. The structure of the poem has four lines per stanza, with a slight variation in the last stanza which has an added fourth line. The lines in each stanza also rhyme internally, giving the poem a cadence and a lyrical quality. This is a common style of poetry used by Neruda, as it gives a sense of completeness to the poem. As the lines are relatively short, they allow the poem to be dramatic, with each stanza containing an emotion or idea that the reader can focus on.
The recurrence of the rhyme ties the poem together and allows the structure to be more meaningful than if it was just a collection of unrelated lines. In some ways the structure can be seen to represent the life cycle of a person, with each line of the cross-rhyme mirroring another person’s life experience. This allows for a deeper level of understanding of When I Die, providing the poem with its pathos and message.
Meaning of the Poem
At its most basic level, When I Die is a poem about death and accepting the inevitability of death. Neruda speaks of the need to embrace death and to make the most of life, as it will eventually come to an end. He speaks of the necessity of life, and how it is something that will always be remembered and noted, even in death. He speaks of a peaceful acceptance of death, and how it could be seen as a blessing rather than a curse.
The poem speaks of how death is something that cannot be avoided, and how it must be accepted as part of life. Neruda suggests that making the best of the time one has in life is the only way to make the end of life meaningful. He speaks of the beauty that comes with death, and the ways in which death can bring about a happier life for those left behind. The poem can be seen as a tribute to life and death, and how the inevitability of death can bring about joy as well as sorrow.
Historical Context of Poem
When I Die was published in 1975, during a time of great political unrest in Chile. Neruda was a communist and an outspoken opponent of the military junta that had taken over the Chilean government in 1973. The poem When I Die reflects the emotional state of Neruda during this time of political turmoil, when his death felt both imminent and acceptable. By writing these words, Neruda was accepting death, no matter the form it would take, as a necessary part of life.
The sense of impending doom that Neruda felt during this time can be seen in his poem, as he speaks of death without fear or regret. The poem captures the spirit of a nation struggling against oppressive forces and looking towards a future, even with the knowledge that some may not live to see it. When I Die speaks of the power of life and death, and of accepting death as a companion, despite its inevitability, in order to fully appreciate life.
Critical Analysis
When I Die was one of the most popular poems from Pablo Neruda’s collection, Canto General. The poem has been praised for its poignant message about mortality and for its lyrical structure. Neruda’s choice of words, his simple rhyme scheme, and his vivid imagery create a powerful and beautiful poem. When I Die speaks to the difficult subjects of death and mortality, in a way that is both honest and awareness-inducing. By giving death a purpose, Neruda is allowing the reader to accept death without fear or regret.
The sentiment of When I Die is one that is often seen in Neruda’s poems, of death as something peaceful and meaningful. While the poem does not offer a solution to death, it does give the reader an insight into the emotions and thoughts of those faced with death. By speaking of death in such a candid way, Neruda allows us to reflect upon our own mortality and the importance of accepting death with dignity. The poem is a reminder that life is a cycle, and that no matter death is something that will come to each and everyone of us.
Symbolism in Poem
When I Die contains a great deal of symbolism that adds to the overall message of the poem. The image of the flower repeating in each stanza can be seen as a metaphor for life, with the flower both blooming and dying over and over again. This is meant to represent the cycle of death and rebirth, with each phase of life ultimately leading back to death. The continuous bloom and decay of the flower reflect the idea that life is constantly in flux and that death is an inevitable part of life.
The allusions to nature throughout the poem can also be seen as symbols for mortality and the cycle of life. The references to the sun, the moon, and the stars are meant to represent the greater universe in which humans are just a small part. Minor references to the seasons of the year suggest the cyclical nature of life, with the end coming eventually, yet life continuing regardless.
The last line of the poem also holds symbolism, with Neruda speaking of a blissful sleep that he will take in death. This can be seen as a metaphor for the acceptance of death and its inevitability, as well as its beauty. It is meant to suggest that no matter what comes after death, it will be a welcome transition to a new and peaceful place.
Comparison to Other Works
When I Die can be seen as an extension of Pablo Neruda’s other pieces of work, particularly his other poetry. The poem can be seen as a companion piece to his other works, such as Sonnets from the Portuguese, which explored similar themes of mortality and death. While When I Die is different in its melancholic tone, the same themes are present in both works. The poem reflects a greater understanding of death and its importance, with Neruda giving death a greater purpose than it is often given.
The poem also bears resemblance to Neruda’s and other poetry of the same era, such as T.S Eliot’s The Wasteland. Both pieces of work focus on the idea of death and how to view it in a positive light. Eliot’s poem speaks of death as a blank slate and as a chance to find truth in a world of confusion, much like Neruda does in his poem. Both pieces of work explore the idea of mortality and the importance of accepting death as a part of life, rather than something to be feared or avoided.
Influence of the poem
When I Die has had a lasting effect on literature and the way death is viewed. The poem speaks of death in a way that allows the reader to accept death as a part of life and embrace it as a blessing rather than a curse.The poem has been praised for its delicate and lyrical language, as well as its simple and heartfelt message. It has often been used as a source of inspiration for those coming to terms with their own mortality, as well as providing a reminder of the importance of making the most of life.
When I Die is a powerful example of Neruda’s work, and it has been said to capture the spirit of a nation struggling against oppressive forces. It has become a symbol of courage and resilience, and it reflects Neruda’s understanding of life and death. The poem has been widely praised for its message of acceptance and for its ability to make the reader contemplate their own mortality.
Legacy of When I Die
When I Die is a poem that has had a lasting effect on literature and the way death is viewed. By speaking of death in a positive way, Neruda gave readers a way to accept death and its inevitability. The poem is an example of Neruda’s lyrical poetry, and it has become a symbol of courage and resilience. The poem has been widely used as a source of inspiration for those coming to terms with their own mortality, as well as providing a reminder of the importance of making the most of life.
The poem has had a lasting impact on literature, as well as in popular culture. It has been referenced in multiple films, books, and television shows as well as being featured in various songs and poems. The poem has also been translated into multiple languages and published in collections of Neruda’s work around the world. When I Die is an example of Neruda’s exquisite writing, and it will continue to be a source of inspiration for many generations to come.
