Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda: Summary, Analysis & Themes

Table of Contents Poetry Key Information Central Message: A brief moment of collective stillness could help humanity pause its violence, self-destruction, and endless rushing, and begin to understand itself and the earth more clearly. Speaker: A thoughtful, almost prophetic voice addressing all of humanity Poetic Form: Free verse, meditative lyric Themes: Silence, Self-reflection, Peace, Human Destructiveness, Connection with Nature Emotions: Calm urgency, Hope, Quiet concern Tone: Gentle, persuasive, reflective Mood: Contemplative, slightly urgent yet peaceful Time Period: Mid-20th Century Literary Movement: Modern Latin American Poetry Published: 1958 (in the collection Extravagaria ) Published Category: Modern Poetry / Philosophical Lyric / Anti-war Poetry Meter: Free verse Rhyme Scheme: None Full Poem: 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 s…