Background Information
Pablo Neruda was a famous Chilean poet, who was born in 1904 as Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto, but changed his name to Pablo Neruda in 1946. His works are iconic and have been translated into dozens of languages, and some of his most famous works include “Twentieth Century Poetry,” “The Heights of Macchu Picchu,” and the “The Captain’s Verses”. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971.
Reasons for the Name Change
A key reason for the name change was to pay homage to the Czech poet Jan Neruda, who was an early source of inspiration for him. According to the Pablo Neruda Foundation, the name change was part of the “metamorphosis” only authors can experience, where they redefine themselves and their work. Neruda also sought to distance himself from his family, who were not supportive of his literary ambitions, and wanted to have a name that was more in line with the type of literature he wanted to write.
Style of Writing and Politics
Neruda’s style of writing was often more accessible and straightforward, compared to his contemporaries. His works often dealt with themes of love, nature, and the human condition, but he was also politically engaged, and his works often touched on issues of class and oppression. He was a vocal critic of privilege and fascism, and was a member of the Chilean Communist Party.
Analysis of Signifance
The name change was an important milestone for Neruda and for Latin American literature. His works were integral in expressing the complex personal and political dynamics of the region, and his name change was a sign of his dedication to literature. It also stood for the values he wanted to represent and transmit, through his body of work.
Response from His Peers
Neruda’s name change was met with general admiration from other authors and critics in Latin American literature. His works opened doors for a new generation of authors, who found in him a source of inspiration in their struggles for truth and freedom. His works were received with great enthusiasm, and soon became emblematic of a new era of Latin American literature.
International Interest
Neruda’s works were soon translated into dozens of languages and increased in popularity outside the Latin American region. He became an international star, and his death in 1973, was deeply mourned by admirers around the world. He has since become an important figure in literature, and his works are still widely read and discussed by literary critics.
Relation to Other Latin American Writers
The name change of Neruda is especially relevant in the context of other Latin American writers. From Gabriel Garcia Marquez to Jorge Luis Borges, many Latin American authors have explored themes of identity and struggle through their works. By changing his name, Neruda wanted to demonstrate a commitment to literature that was seen as “bold” and “daring” by his peers and critics.
Accessibility of Works
The name change was also significant because it made his works more accessible to the general public. His works were often simple and straightforward and did not use complicated language. This made them more understandable for readers of all levels, which helped to ensure that his works were widely read and appreciated.
Literary Influence on Later Authors
Pablo Neruda’s name change is also important to consider when examining the literary influence of later authors. By making his works more accessible and relatable, Neruda helped lay the groundwork for an entire generation of authors who followed. His works have served as inspiration for many later authors, who have sought to explore similar themes of identity and struggle in their work.
Modern Relevance of His Message
Neruda’s name change still resonates today, and his works have helped to craft a new narrative of Latin American culture and identity. His works have become an integral part of Latin American literature, and his messages of struggle, love, and identity remain relevant in a globalized world. He sought to express the complexities of Latin American culture and to explore a different type of literature, and in doing so, created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire readers.
