2. Summary
Keeping Quiet summary discusses peace, humanity, and brotherhood. This poem is by the author
Pablo Neruda. The poem is explosive as well as quiet at the same time. Neruda speaks of a world
of wisdom in a calm fashion. Neruda believes that staunch activism is not the best way to get into
the heart and minds of the masses. Consequently, the author speaks with much serenity.
Furthermore, this serenity creates an aftermath of thought ripples in the minds of the reader. The
poet wants the readers to take time out of their busy lives for retrospection and introspection. The
poem is symbolic of stopping all activities and understanding the purpose of the world. Keeping
Quiet appeals to the heart of the readers in contrast to the intellect. Through this poem, Neruda
aims to get his readers thinking and pondering as opposed to intellectual stimulation.
3. his poem emphasizes the importance of self-
introspection and silence. Furthermore, these two can
transform the life of an individual. Moreover, they can
also transform the face of the earth. The poet says that
self-introspection and silence do not take much time to
look within. Any individual can do it and examine oneself.
This is easy and takes only as long as it will take
someone to count to twelve. During this time of
introspection (self-examination), it is important for the
individual to keep quiet. The individual must say nothing
at all. Without silence and keeping quiet, self-
introspection will not work. Silently introspecting will give
the individual a strange feeling of unity and togetherness
with all others.
4. In the beginning, it will certainly feel a little strange. However,
eventually, it has the power to bring us all together. This silence
will be free from the annoying sounds of engines. Furthermore,
this silence will also be free from the people rushing to get their
work done. The author feels contentment while imagining the
change that will take place in those moments. The men who
have to deal with the pain while collecting salt will get a little
relief. Even the people who desire war and destruction will put on
clean clothes and an opportunity to walk among their brothers.
They will get to experience a life that is free of enmity and
hatred. There will be a halt to their destructive and dangerous
activities. Peace and tranquillity will prevail everywhere
5. once such harmful activities come to a stop, even if it is for a short time.
The poet clarifies that his wish should not mean “total inactivity”. The poet only
desires to interrupt the violent, cruel, and sad activities taking place all over
the world for a few moments and let individuals introspect their actions. In fact,
there is a connection to what he says with life rather than death. Activity is the
very essence of life whereas inactivity is symbolic of death. However, for a
new, improved, and useful activity, a little stillness is quite important.
The poet makes use of the image of the earth to explain how life exists in
things that seem dormant. In winter, the earth becomes very silent and it
seems to be dead. The Earth becomes lively again in spring. Furthermore, in
spring, the addition of fresh new beauties and colours takes place. In a similar
fashion, man can resume his activities in a better manner after a little silence
and quietness.
6. Conclusion
Keeping Quiet summary tells us about the big
impact of silence and self-introspection in making
this world a better place.
