Joey Saves The Day!: Facts about Pablo Neruda

Learn some interesting facts

about Pablo Neruda.

This week’s famous poet is Pablo Neruda. Last week’s famous poet was Sylvia Plath.

Pablo Neruda, renowned as one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, was also an active politician. Born on July 12, 1904, in the small town of Parral, located in the Maule Region of Chile, he faced early adversity when his mother, Rosa Neftalí Basoalto Opazo, passed away shortly after his birth. This tragedy left him in the care of his father, José del Carmen Reyes Morales, and his stepmother, who played a significant role in his upbringing.

From a young age, Neruda demonstrated a profound affinity for literature and began crafting his own poetry at the tender age of ten. His talent flourished over the years, resulting in the writing of more than 2,000 poems throughout his lifetime, which explored themes of love, politics, and the human experience. Despite his literary genius, his personal life was marked by the complexities of family dynamics, as he had two half-siblings introduced to him through his father's remarriage.

Neruda's remarkable journey as both a poet and a public figure continues to resonate, making him a vital part of Chile's literary and cultural heritage. His work not only reflects his personal experiences but also encapsulates the broader struggles and passions of humanity.

Here is a list of some poems by Pablo Neruda:

Bird
Enigmas
Poetry
Water
Triangles
A Lemon
Cat’s Dream
If You Forget Me
Your Laughter
The Question

Hey there, parents and caregivers! Before you dive into the wonderful world of poetry with your little ones, take a moment to ensure that the poems you choose are age-appropriate and fun for them. Happy reading!

Interesting facts about Pablo Neruda:

1. Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto, more widely known by his pen name Pablo Neruda, was born in the small town of Parral in the Maule Region of Chile on July 12, 1904. From an early age, he displayed a profound talent for poetry, which would eventually earn him international acclaim. Over his lifetime, Neruda became one of the most distinguished poets of the 20th century, celebrated for his vivid imagery and passionate expressions of love, nature, and political belief.

Neruda's life was as rich and complex as his work. He served as a diplomat in various countries and was an outspoken advocate for communism, a stance that significantly influenced his literary and political identity. His works often reflected his deep commitment to social justice and human rights, which endeared him to many of his readers.

Pablo Neruda passed away on September 23, 1973, in Santiago, Chile, at the age of sixty-nine. His death followed a prolonged battle with prostate cancer, which had significantly impacted his health in the years leading up to his passing. Shortly after his death, there were whispers and speculation surrounding the circumstances of his demise, with some suggesting that he may have been poisoned due to his political affiliations and opposition to the Pinochet regime that had recently come to power. Despite these rumors, the official cause remained complications from cancer. His legacy continues to resonate widely, and he is celebrated as a pivotal figure in world literature.

2. Pablo Neruda, renowned primarily for his exceptional poetry, was also deeply involved in the political landscape of his time. His love for his country and belief in social justice led him to engage actively in political matters. In 1970, he was nominated to run for the presidency of Chile during a pivotal moment in the nation's history. Despite the honor of this nomination, Neruda chose to decline the opportunity, prioritizing his artistic pursuits and values over a political position. His decision reflects his complex identity as both a passionate poet and a committed political figure, emphasizing that his contributions to society extended beyond literature.

3. The following is one of Pablo Neruda’s poems:

Bird

It was passed from one bird to another,

the whole gift of the day.

The day went from flute to flute,

went dressed in vegetation,

in flights which opened a tunnel

through the wind would pass

to where birds were breaking open

the dense blue air -

and there, night came in.

When I returned from so many journeys,

I stayed suspended and green

between sun and geography -

I saw how wings worked,

how perfumes are transmitted

by feathery telegraph,

and from above I saw the path,

the springs and the roof tiles,

the fishermen at their trades,

the trousers of the foam;

I saw it all from my green sky.

I had no more alphabet

than the swallows in their courses,

the tiny, shining water

of the small bird on fire

which dances out of the pollen.

(You can print out a worksheet on this poem. You will fill in the missing words in the poem.)

4. Pablo Neruda was only ten when he started writing poetry. He wrote in many different styles.

Here is a list of those poetry styles:

historical epics
love poems
political manifestos
prose autobiography
surrealist poems

5. At the age of sixteen, Pablo Neruda enrolled at the Universidad de Chile (University of Chile) in Santiago, driven by his early aspiration to become a school teacher. However, he soon found himself captivated by the world of literature and poetry, which ignited a passion within him that outweighed his initial educational goals. Instead of focusing solely on his studies, Neruda dedicated countless hours to crafting his poems, immersing himself in the vibrant literary culture surrounding him. This pivotal decision not only redirected his career path but also laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable legacy in the realm of poetry.

6. Pablo Neruda's two half-siblings:

Rodolfo Reyes Marverde
Laurita or Laura

7. Pablo Neruda, the renowned Chilean poet and Nobel laureate, experienced the complexities of love throughout his life, culminating in three marriages. His second marriage was to Marijke (Maria) Antonieta Hagenaar Vogelzang, a Dutch woman who played a significant role in his life. Together, they welcomed a daughter named Malva Marina Reyes, who was born in 1934. Unfortunately, Malva faced health challenges from an early age, which deeply affected Neruda and his family. Their bond highlights both the joys and struggles that marked Neruda's personal life, alongside his prolific literary career.

Wives:

Marijke Antonieta Hagenaar Vogelzang
Delia del Carril
Matilde Urrutia Cerda

8. Pablo Neruda, the esteemed Chilean poet, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971 in recognition of his profound impact on the world of poetry and his ability to capture the depths of human emotion through his work. This prestigious award highlighted not only his literary genius but also his contributions to the development of modern poetry. In the following year, 1972, Neruda received the Golden Wreath Award, a distinguished honor presented for outstanding poetic achievement. This accolade further solidified his reputation as one of the leading voices in 20th-century literature, celebrating the lyrical beauty and innovative style that characterized his extensive body of work.

9. In 1917, Pablo Neruda published his first article in a local newspaper (La Mañana). He was only 13. The article was titled Entusiasmo y perseverancia. He signed the essay with the pen name Neftalí Reyes.

Get your printable Pablo Neruda worksheet here:

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Books about Pablo Neruda:

Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People by Monica Brown

Parents and caregivers, ensure the books you read to your child or children are suitable for them.

Tune in next week to learn some quick facts about William Butler Yeats!

"Unlock your poetic potential with the Famous Poets Workbook, available now on Amazon. Dive into the world of poetry and discover your creative voice. Click on the book to explore more details and embark on a poetic journey!"