Keeping quite

Plot

The poem "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda explores themes of introspection, unity, and
peace through the act of silence and stillness. Here's a breakdown of the plot

Exposition

The poem begins with a call to pause and reflect. The poet asks everyone to count to twelve
and keep still. This simple act is meant to foster a sense of calm and unity.

Rising Action

Neruda suggests that during this moment of silence, we should stop all activities, including
talking and moving. He envisions a world where everyone is quiet and still, which would lead
to an introspective realization and a better understanding of ourselves and each other.

Climax

The poem reaches its climax when Neruda describes the potential impact of this silence. He
imagines a world where wars and destructive activities cease. Fishermen would stop harming
whales, salt gatherers would not hurt their hands, and people would come together in a rare
moment of universal brotherhood.

Falling Action

Neruda acknowledges that keeping quiet and still might initially seem strange and
uncomfortable, but he emphasizes the benefits. He believes that such moments of
introspection can lead to a profound understanding of life and the cessation of harmful
actions.

Resolution

The poem concludes with the poet clarifying that he does not advocate for complete inactivity
or death. Instead, he urges a momentary pause for self-reflection. He compares this silence to
the Earth’s quiet and constant renewal, suggesting that periods of inactivity can lead to new
beginnings and rejuvenation.

Summary

"Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda is a powerful call for introspection, unity, and peace
through the act of silence. The poet believes that taking a moment to pause and reflect can
lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us, fostering a sense of
universal brotherhood and ceasing harmful activities.
Poetic devices
Stanza 1:

Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still.

1. Symbolism:
o "count to twelve" - Symbolizes a complete cycle (like the hours of a clock or the
months in a year) and a period of time for reflection.

2. Alliteration:
o "we will" - The repetition of the 'w' sound creates a rhythmic quality.

Stanza 2:

For once on the face of the Earth, let's not speak in any language, let's stop for one
second, and not move our arms so much.

1. Imagery:
o The poet creates a visual image of stillness and silence, with people not speaking or
moving.

2. Repetition:
o "let's" - Repeated to emphasize the collective action and unity in silence.

3. Alliteration:
o "stop for one second" - The repetition of the 's' sound enhances the sense of
quietness.

Stanza 3:

It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines, we would all be together in
a sudden strangeness.

1. Imagery:
o "without rush, without engines" - Conjures a peaceful and serene image, free from
the noise and hurry of daily life.

2. Oxymoron:
o "sudden strangeness" - Combines contradictory terms to highlight the unexpected
and unusual nature of the moment.

Stanza 4:

Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt would
look at his hurt hands.

1. Imagery:
o Vivid images of fishermen and salt gatherers emphasize the cessation of harmful
activities and self-reflection.
 2. Symbolism:
o Fishermen and salt gatherers symbolize all workers and their daily toils and
struggles.

Stanza 5:

Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victories with no
survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers in the shade,
doing nothing.

1. Repetition:
o "wars" - Repeated to emphasize the various types of conflicts.

2. Imagery:
o "green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire" - Creates strong visual images of different
types of destructive activities.

3. Symbolism:
o "clean clothes" - Symbolizes a new beginning or a transformation from violence to
peace.

Stanza 6:

What I want should not be confused with total inactivity.

1. Alliteration:
o "want should" - The repetition of the 'w' sound.

Stanza 7:

Life is what it is about; I want no truck with death.

1. Metaphor:
o "no truck with death" - Means having no dealings or associations with death,
emphasizing the poet's focus on life and renewal.

Stanza 8:

If we were not so single-minded about keeping our lives moving, and for once could do
nothing, perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding
ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death.

1. Alliteration:
o "single-minded" - The repetition of the 's' sound.

2. Imagery:
o "huge silence" - Conjures a powerful image of pervasive quietness.
Stanza 9:

Perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems dead and later proves to be
alive.

1. Personification:
o "the Earth can teach us" - The Earth is given human qualities of teaching.

2. Simile:
o "as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive" - Comparing human
inactivity to the natural cycle of death and rebirth in nature.

Stanza 10:

Now I'll count up to twelve and you keep quiet and I will go.

1. Repetition:
o "count up to twelve" - Reiterates the beginning, bringing the poem full circle.

2. Direct Address:
o "you keep quiet and I will go" - The poet speaks directly to the reader, creating a
sense of personal engagement.

These poetic devices contribute to the overall themes of the poem, enhancing the reader's
understanding and emotional response to Neruda's call for introspection, unity, and peace.

Short questions

1. What does the poet mean by 'count to twelve' in the poem?

o The poet uses 'count to twelve' to symbolize a brief, meditative pause,
representing a complete cycle of time such as the hours on a clock or the
months in a year, urging everyone to reflect and unite in silence.
2. Why does the poet suggest not to speak in any language?
o The poet suggests not speaking in any language to promote silence and
introspection, breaking down barriers between people and fostering a sense of
universal unity and peace.
3. Explain the significance of the phrase 'sudden strangeness.'
o 'Sudden strangeness' refers to the unexpected and unusual feeling of unity and
peace that would arise from collective silence and stillness, breaking the
routine of constant activity and noise.
4. What change does the poet hope to see in fishermen and salt gatherers?
o The poet hopes fishermen would stop harming whales and salt gatherers
would look at their hurt hands, symbolizing a break from their harmful and
strenuous activities to reflect on their actions and recognize their impact on
nature and themselves.
5. What is meant by 'green wars' and 'wars with gas, wars with fire'?
 o 'Green wars' refer to environmental destruction, while 'wars with gas' and
'wars with fire' denote chemical and traditional warfare. The poet condemns
all forms of violence and hopes for a peaceful coexistence.
6. How does the poet differentiate between 'total inactivity' and 'a moment of
silence'?
o The poet clarifies that 'total inactivity' suggests a cessation of life, whereas 'a
moment of silence' is meant for introspection and rejuvenation, promoting a
temporary pause to reflect and understand ourselves better.
7. What does the poet mean by 'no truck with death'?
o By 'no truck with death,' the poet emphasizes his focus on life and renewal,
indicating he does not advocate for inactivity or death but rather a temporary
pause for reflection and self-awareness.
8. What does the poet hope to achieve through 'a huge silence'?
o The poet hopes that 'a huge silence' will interrupt the sadness and
misunderstandings that come from constant activity, leading to a deeper self-
awareness and a reduction in self-destructive behaviors.
9. Explain the metaphor 'perhaps the Earth can teach us as when everything seems
dead and later proves to be alive.'
o This metaphor suggests that like the Earth, which appears lifeless in winter but
comes alive in spring, a period of silence and stillness in human life can lead
to renewal and a deeper understanding of ourselves.
10. Why does the poet conclude with 'Now I'll count up to twelve and you keep quiet
and I will go'?
o The poet concludes with this line to reiterate the call for a moment of
introspection and silence. By saying "I will go," he indicates that the
responsibility to maintain this reflective silence lies with the readers.