AND THEN ON THE LADDER
Adam Nutt, Ava Trindeva, Ben Honig
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
1945
• Spanish Civil War
• Family Deaths
• Failed marriage
• Elected to Chilean Senate in Communist Party
• US bombing of Japan (Hiroshima)
• Neruda accused Chilean president of betrayal (1947)
Resulted in his forced exile
• Generally a depressing time*
NERUDA IN POLITICS
• Lack of prosperity as a poet => political connections => consul
• Neruda served as a consul in several countries
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Began in Burma
In Spain he sympathized with the Republicans against the fascists
Placed in Paris and helped refugees to Chile
Fighting for social justice in Mexico
His communism was frowned upon and he was forced into exile
• During time of exile he visited Peru
VISITING MACHU PICCHU
• Neruda explored Peru in 1943
• During his time of exile, after accusing the president of betrayal
• Communist beliefs reflected in coloring a world of majestic indigenous architecture,
while also acknowledging the hardships of the enslaved people
• Felt a very spiritual essence during his time at
Machu Picchu (not religious)
• Idealistic view of the Inca community that was
tarnished when conquested
THE INCAS
Incas were an early tribe that relied
on each other in order to improve
their community. Believing in mystical
gods and finding peace between nature
and themselves.
This harmony and balance between
nature and the hardships of man is
what Neruda was so drawn to and
appreciated about Machu Picchu.
HEIGHTS OF MACHU PICCHU
• Published 1945 as a part of his Canto General
-Themes: mythology, memory, hardship, community
• “Neruda seeks to give voice to the voiceless and deliver the glory of their work back
into their own hands”
• 'And so I scaled the ladder of the earth...' Neruda begins his climb to Machu Picchu.
As he climbs he gains an insight into the history of the site
DOMINANT EFFECT
*Shift from previous Cantos*
Through the use of nature imagery, historical references and the metaphor of
a higher power Neruda creates a tone of admiration which establishes the
main theme of ascension .
Summary
● The theme of ascension
● What the “I” in the poem represents not only Neruda, but also the Common Man.
○ In its final passages, Neruda's poetry jumps from a personal hope to a global
one; from a poetry dealing with the poet's heart to a poetry centered on
humanity's struggles.
● ‘The Heights of Machu Picchu’ offers a solution: become one with your past and
use this to create a better future.
"In the midst of the arena of America's struggles I saw that my human task was none
other than to join the extensive forces of the organized masses of the people, to join
with life and soul, with suffering and hope, but it is only from this great popular stream
that the necessary changes can arise for writers and for nations . . . Lastly, I wish to
say to the people of good will, to the workers, to the poets, that the whole future has
been expressed in this line by Rimbaud: 'Only with a burning patience can we
conquer the splendid City, which will give light, justice, and dignity to all mankind' "
(“Pablo Neruda- Brief Bio”).
WORKS CITED
"H2g2 - 'The 'The Heights of Macchu Picchu' - a Poem by Pablo Nerudaof
Macchu Picchu' - a Poem by Pablo Neruda - Edited Entry." H2g2. N.p., 6
June 2013. Web. 14 Nov. 2014.
“The Heights of Macchu Picch." Encyclopedia.com. HighBeam Research,2014.
Web. 13 Nov. 2014.
Doug, and Melissa McKinstry. "Pablo Neruda - Brief Bio." WriteDesign Neruda's Bio: Politics and Poetry. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.