Keeping Quiet
1. What will keeping quiet and counting till twelve help us achieve?
Counting up to twelve will help us create an exotic moment of togetherness and give us time
for introspection. It is during this moment that we will stop harming ourselves and others and
realize how much destruction we are causing to human life and environment. It will give us
opportunity to understand each other and save ourselves for future harm.
2. According to the poet, what is that human being learn from nature?
The poet feels that there is a lesson to be learnt from the apparent stillness of the Earth which
is bare and silent on the top, yet under the soil, life is growing, thereby proving that nature is
continuously sustaining life. In the same way, man can learn to let life grow peacefully and
quietly.
3. How can the suspension of activity help?
If man stopped all movement and keep quiet for a count of twelve, he will get time to analyze
his own thoughts and feelings. He would stop hurting and harming others and the
environment. All warfare would cease and men would sit with each other in peace and
harmony.
4. What are different kind of wars mentioned in the poem? What is Pablo Neruda’s attitude
towards wars?
Neruda mentions wars with poisonous gases, wars with fire and wars which destroy the
environment. The poet feels that wars should be stopped as many innocent people lose their
lives. He wants to unite with others, sit in shade, feeling relaxed and calm. He is requesting
man to develop a feeling of brotherhood and oneness.
5. What is the exotic moment that the poet refers to?
The exotic moment that the poet refers to is that when everyone counts till twelve and keeps
quiet. He said that it will be an extraordinary as everyone will stand together in stillness,
introspecting their actions. Men will not rush about, but instead will sit calmly with others
making them feel united.
6. How according to Pablo Neruda, can keeping quite change our attitude to life?
Keeping quiet can change man’s attitude towards life because he will get an opportunity to
introspect and realise that he is harming himself and others. It will help him to understand
himself and cease all his destructive and selfish actions. It will also bring a sense of
togetherness among all human beings.
7. How is keeping quiet related to life?
Haste and activities lead humanity to wars, violence, death and destruction. The poet advices
us to suspend all such activities for a while and enjoy moments of peace, rest and tranquility.
Keeping quiet imparts happiness and an inner strength which is indispensable to each and
every human being. These moments of introspection also help us to understand ourselves.
Moreover, they help to develop a sense of togetherness among all human beings.
8. Why do we feel ‘a sudden strangeness’ on counting up to twelve and keeping quiet?
One feels ‘a sudden strangeness’ on counting up to twelve and keeping quiet as there is
silence everywhere, men do not move and talk and thus all wars and destruction stops for that
moment. This moment gives us time to think about our actions.
9. What does Pablo Neruda mean by ‘victory with no survivors’?
In Pablo Neruda's poem "Keeping Quiet", the phrase "victory with no survivors" refers to the
futility and destructive nature of war and conflict. It highlights a hollow or empty triumph
where, even if one side technically wins, the cost of human life and destruction is so immense
that there's no one left to celebrate or benefit from the victory.
10. The imagery of the Earth during winter is used as a powerful symbol in "Keeping Quiet."
Discuss how the Earth's apparent stillness teaches humanity a valuable lesson about life and
its cycles, and how this lesson can be applied to foster personal and societal growth.
The Earth's apparent stillness during winter serves as a powerful symbol to illustrate that
stillness does not mean death. In winter, the Earth appears dormant, with trees barren and
landscapes seemingly devoid of life. However, beneath the surface, life quietly persists,
preparing for the renewal that comes with spring. This reflects the natural cycle of death and
rebirth, demonstrating that stillness can be a phase of rejuvenation and preparation for new
beginnings.
This imagery encourages humans to embrace moments of quiet introspection, akin to the
Earth's winter. Just as nature renews itself, a period of self-reflection allows individuals to
pause, cleanse themselves of negative thoughts and actions, and reconnect with their inner
selves, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose and vitality. This personal growth, in turn,
can contribute to broader societal transformation, leading to a more peaceful and harmonious
world by fostering empathy, understanding, and unity among people.
