Pablo Neruda – Biography
Pablo Neruda – Biography
Early Life
Pablo Neruda was born Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto on July 12, 1904, in Parral, Chile. He was the son of a railway worker, José del Carmen Reyes, and Trinidad Basoalto. Neruda’s father died when he was only three years old, and he was largely raised by his mother until her death when he was 13.
He adopted the pen name Pablo Neruda at the age of 19 to avoid embarrassing his family when publishing his first poems.
Personal Life
Neruda married three times and had numerous relationships throughout his life. His personal life was marked by passionate love affairs, which inspired much of his poetry. He was also deeply involved in political and social issues.
Literary Career
Pablo Neruda is considered one of the greatest poets of the 20th century and a leading figure in Latin American literature.
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He published his first major collection, Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair (1924), at the age of 20. This book brought him international fame for its passionate and lyrical exploration of love and longing.
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Neruda’s poetry covered a wide range of themes: love, politics, social justice, nature, history, and human rights.
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His style varied from romantic lyricism to surrealism and politically charged verse, showing his versatility and depth as a poet.
Some of his notable works include:
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Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair (1924) – romantic and sensual poetry.
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Residence on Earth (1933–1947) – existential and surrealist reflections.
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Canto General (1950) – an epic poem celebrating Latin American history and identity.
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The Captain’s Verses (1952) – love poems inspired by his personal relationships.
Political Life
Neruda was an active member of the Communist Party of Chile and used his poetry to fight against social injustice and oppression. He held diplomatic positions in countries like Spain, France, and Mexico and was a senator in Chile.
Due to his political beliefs, he faced persecution and went into hiding in 1948 after being accused by the Chilean government.
Death
Pablo Neruda died on September 23, 1973, in Santiago, Chile, shortly after the military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet. He was 69 years old. The circumstances of his death are still debated, with some suggesting he may have been poisoned.
Legacy
Pablo Neruda is remembered as a poet of love, politics, and humanity. In 1971, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature for his extraordinary body of work. His poetry continues to inspire readers worldwide for its passion, lyricism, and commitment to social justice.
✨ Famous Quote by Neruda:
“I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul.”
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