Keeping quiet

Keeping quiet
➢ About the author - Pablo Neruda

➢ Reading Time!

➢ Working with the text

 About the poet- pablo neruda
Let’s Begin!
Pablo Neruda (1904-1973) is the pen name of Neftali Ricardo Reyes
Basoalto who was born in the town of Parral in Chile. Neruda’s poems
are full of easily understood images which make them no less
beautiful. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in the year 1971. In
this poem Neruda talks about the necessity of quiet introspection and
creating a feeling of mutual understanding among human beings
 Keeping quiet
THEME OF THE POEM

The power of silence and thought as a means of comprehending and

engaging with the world is the theme of the poem “Keeping Quiet” from the
Class 12 English Flamingo textbook. In order to develop a better
understanding of themselves and their surroundings, the poet emphasizes on
stillness and watching nature. The speaker makes the claim that one can
develop a sense of oneness with one’s surroundings and other people by
remaining silent and observing. The poem also considers how the modern
world may be noisy and distracting and how spending some time to be silent
and still can be a helpful strategy for obtaining clarity and inner calm.
 Keeping quiet
Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still.

For once on the face of the Earth

let’s not speak in any language,
let’s stop for one second,
and not move our arms so much.
 Keeping quiet
It would be an exotic moment
without rush, without engines,
we would all be together
in a sudden strangeness.
 Keeping quiet
Fishermen in the cold sea
would not harm whales
and the man gathering salt
would look at his hurt hands.
 Keeping quiet
Those who prepare green wars,
wars with gas, wars with fire,
victory with no survivors,
would put on clean clothes
and walk about with their
brothers
in the shade, doing nothing.
Keeping quiet
What I want should not be
confused
with total inactivity.
Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
 Keeping quiet
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with
death.
 Keeping quiet
Perhaps the Earth can teach us
as when everything seems dead
and later proves to be alive.
Now I’ll count up to twelve
and you keep quiet and I will go.
 Keeping quiet
What does the title of the poem suggests to you? What do you
think the poem is about?

The title of the poem suggests the importance of silence. The poem is
about the importance of self-examination and introspection. It is also
an appeal for universal harmony.
 Keeping quiet
What will counting up to twelve and keeping still help us achieve?

Counting up to twelve takes very short time. Keeping still for this brief
interval of time gives us a momentary pause to introspect and review
the course of action. It is generally observed that most of the ills and
troubles of the world are caused by our rush or hurry. Violence is
caused by anger. Keeping quiet and still will give us necessary respite
and ensure peace.
 Keeping quiet
Do you think the poet advocates total inactivity and death?

No, he doesn't advocate either total inactivity or death. He makes it

quite clear that 'stillness' should not be confused with 'total inactivity'
or equated to it. Total inactivity brings death. But Neruda has 'no truck
with death'. His stillness means halting of harmful and hostile human
activities.
 Keeping quiet
What is the 'sadness' that the poet refers to in the poem?

The poet refers to the 'sadness' of failing to understand oneself in the

monotonous every day existence. He also finds it sad that the
humanity is moving towards its own ruin owing to its unanalyzed
actions. He regrets the rush of outdoing others that has made us forget
the values of humanity.
 Keeping quiet
What symbol from Nature does the poet invoke to say that there
can be life under apparent stillness?

The poet uses the symbol of the earth to illustrate the point that there
can be life under apparent stillness.
 summary

➢ SUMMARY- KEEPING QUIET

 SUMMARY
Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda is a contemplative and
thought-provoking poem that urges humanity to embrace silence and
introspection. The poet emphasizes the importance of pausing from
the chaos of everyday life to reflect on ourselves and our relationship
with the world around us.
 SUMMARY
The poem begins with an appeal to count to twelve and remain silent.
This silence is not mere inactivity but a symbolic act of unity and
self-reflection. By staying quiet, the poet believes that people can
momentarily step away from their destructive pursuits—wars,
industrial exploitation, and environmental degradation—and
appreciate the value of life.
 SUMMARY
Neruda advocates for a universal pause that transcends language and
cultural barriers, promoting peace and harmony. He imagines a world
where everyone is quiet, fishermen stop harming the seas, and workers
cease damaging the earth. This pause would allow humanity to
reconnect with nature and recognize the consequences of their actions.
 SUMMARY
The poet clarifies that his call for silence is not about death or total
inaction but a momentary suspension of habitual activities to
understand the essence of life. He sees quietness as an opportunity for
renewal and self-awareness, a way to break free from the cycle of
violence and destruction.
 SUMMARY
The poem concludes with Neruda encouraging a deeper
understanding of life’s interconnectedness. He suggests that death and
silence can teach us valuable lessons about living harmoniously. By
keeping quiet, humanity can achieve a sense of solidarity, empathy,
and meaningful existence.
Through simple yet powerful language, Neruda inspires readers to
reflect on the importance of mindfulness and the need to foster peace
in a divided world.
Keeping quiet
Keeping quiet