Student Question
What are the themes of Pablo Neruda's "The Way Spain Was"?
Quick answer:
The main themes of Pablo Neruda's "The Way Spain Was" are disquiet, inertia, tradition, fragility, and exploitation. The poem, written during the Spanish Civil War, evokes a sense of tension and strife, as Spain prepares for combat. The theme of inertia is portrayed through a sense of motionless villages and the difficulty of creating change. Other themes include Spain's romantic past, its vulnerable position, and its economic struggles.
The themes of “The Way Spain Was” (sometimes, it’s translated as “What Spain Was Like”) include disquiet and inertia.
Pablo Neruda wrote this poem around the time of the Spanish Civil War, yet, even without that knowledge, it’s possible to identify the theme of strife. Right away, Neruda creates tension by describing Spain—in Donald D. Walsh’s translation—as “tense and lean.” It’s as if Spain is preparing itself for combat. The “daily / drum” and the “eagle’s nest” further the restless, predatory theme of the poem. The crying and the “empty god” also point to the theme of unease and distress. In other words, several upsetting things occur in Neruda’s poem.
Another theme is inertia. Neruda contrasts the theme of vexing action with the theme of resignation or inaction. Neruda portrays the villages as “motionless in time.” The landscape is “surrounded by the abstract stones of silence.” Stones are hard to move, and it can be onerous to create change without speaking. Here, Neruda arguably uses the theme of stagnation to illustrate the problems of trying to rearrange a fabled society.
For other themes, consider talking about tradition, fragility, or exploitation. Neruda addresses Spain’s romantic past, vulnerable position, and economics.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.