Part 1
“Muchos Somos” by Neruda is one of the poems where we can find several characteristics related to the literature itself. “Of the many men whom I am, whom we are, I cannot settle on a single one” (Neruda, 1958, lines 1-2). Neruda in this stanza represents himself as a symbol to give life to his poem. His writing and contemplation allows him to search his soul and look at the many men who make up the one and he is aware his fellow man is also made up of many parts. We are all influenced by our history, our birth place, our experiences and these experiences will make us all different and all multifaceted. “While I am writing, I am far away; and when I come back, I have already left” (Neruda, 1958, lines 1-2). This is a metaphor used to discuss the many faces we all display. He is a man who can be many things at different times and in different circumstances. He shares this trait with all of mankind, in this, he is not unique. “I shall speak, not of self, but of geography (Neruda, 1958, line 10). This final level of reading infers an overall meaning. We examine features running throughout the text to see how the discussion shapes our perception of reality. We examine what a text does to convey meaning: how patterns of content and language shape the portrayal of the topic and how relationships between those patterns convey underlying meaning. The poet is the sum of all his experiences. He can be a man of high intelligence but also on occasions the fool who regrets his words he cannot take back. He can be fearless but also unsure of himself. He can be horrified but wanton destruction, yet at the same time fascinated by it. He is envious of his fellow men of fiction that are seen as men of action and courage. This knowledge makes him feel less than worthy. He rues the loss of his more courageous self and is bitter in his envy of others deeds of courage. He is desperate to find such nobility in his soul. If others have it, surely he too can find this trait in his soul?
part2Profesor coment and question
This is a metaphor used to discuss the many faces we all display. He is a man who can be many things at different times and in different circumstances.
Dr. ——————-: Is this true of all people, ———–, or is the poet saying there is something distinct about his own identity?