The poet begins the poem with counting till twelve urging everyone to be still: “Now we will count to twelve and we will all keep still.” The word, “twelve,” has several connotations. “Twelve” hints towards the twelve hours we have during the day. The hands of the clock, despite their differences, join together at twelve to become one (LiveEnglish12, 2014). “Twelve” also refers to the twelve months of a year, if one believes in numerology and its digit and prosperity. As well as, the “twelve” zodiac signs, which are believed to be the controlling forces of our lives (Chinara, …show more content…
The movement of silence would be exotic because of the tranquility that would prevail in the presence of the unnecessary busy movement and activity. Moreover, the ecstasy one experience during the silence, has never been experienced before. In addition, words such as “rush,” and “engines,” evokes visual sensory details. The readers may visualize the New York City rush, or any other populated place. The city is as busy as a market stall. The people hurryingly walking past by other million people to get to one place to another, while bumping into one another and moving on. The roads filled with several cars and busses passing, the never ending busy roads. The train hisses like a snake as it vanishes into a tunnel. All these movements suddenly coming to a stop. The people stop moving, the cars and busses stop moving and the train suddenly hits a hard break and joining the silence. Moreover, the poet urges to stop one’s personal activities and stop engines and unite all in one tune, silence. Through this silent movement, one may feel blissful, strange, and will bring complete equilibrium amongst …show more content…
Neruda tries to bring violence, which is not against humans, but also the violence that it has posed towards nature. The poet brings the spotlight to the selfish motive of human beings of their survival and exploits them, “Fisherman in the sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.” This example of metaphor shows that the fishermen are killing whales in the cold sea. It additionally, indicates the merciless nature towards different species, and the wide class division of the general public. The poet infers that the fishermen are the oppressors of the general public and the men gathering salt are the mistreated ones. Neruda contradicts the oppressor to disregard chasing or smothering the frail for their own particular advantage and the men gathering salt to disregard their burdens and torment. Subsequently, creating solidarity and consider one another as brothers. Thus, this example of metaphor successfully demonstrates the violence and selfish deeds of the fishermen. And once again, tries to emphasize