Analysis of “Lullabies of the Onion” by Miguel Hernandez
Lullabies of the Onion: A Poem of Love and Loss in War-Torn Spain
Introduction
“Lullabies of the Onion” is a poignant poem by Miguel Hernandez, a prominent figure in 20th-century Spanish literature. Written during the Spanish Civil War, it reflects the poet’s personal struggles and the broader societal upheaval of the time. Hernandez, often considered a bridge between the Generation of ’27 and the Generation of ’36, experienced a significant shift in his writing style during this period.
Background and Context
This heart-wrenching composition, considered one of the saddest “lullabies” of the Generation of ’36, stems from Hernandez’s imprisonment for his involvement with the Republican side during the war. He wrote to his wife and son from prison, expressing his anguish and helplessness with remarkable subtlety and skill. The poem captures the despair of a man facing death, knowing he may never see his loved ones again.
“Lullabies of the Onion” is part of Hernandez’s collection “Ballad Songbook and Absences,” which he began writing in 1938 while incarcerated. The book’s central themes revolve around the loss of his son, the birth of his second child, his longing for his wife, and the frustration of the Republican defeat. All of this is interwoven with the harsh realities of prison life: deprivation, misery, hunger, cruelty, loneliness, and despair.
Structure and Analysis
The poem is composed of seguidillas (seven-syllable lines with assonance rhyme) and five-syllable lines, along with some free verse. The verses are concise, direct, and spontaneous, creating a sense of immediacy.
Part 1 (Verses 1-49):
Hernandez addresses his wife, expressing his helplessness and inability to provide for her and their son during this time of hardship. He describes the pervasive hunger and misery, symbolized by the onion, and encourages his wife to remain strong despite the adversity.Part 2 (Verses 50-84):
Hernandez turns to his son, explaining his situation in prison and urging him to embrace life, laughter, and strength. He emphasizes the importance of his son’s existence, which provides him with hope and the will to survive. He encourages his son to cherish his childhood and not let it be overshadowed by the harsh realities of war.
Themes and Literary Devices
Main Theme: The poem’s central theme is the longing Hernandez feels for his family and his anguish at being unable to help them. He feels trapped and powerless against the overwhelming poverty and despair surrounding them.
Hernandez employs various literary devices to enhance the poem’s emotional impact:
- Metaphor: “The onion is frost” compares the onion to a destructive force that covers everything like frost but doesn’t provide sustenance.
- Hyperbaton: The alteration of word order, as seen in verses 71-74, draws attention to specific phrases and creates a sense of urgency.
- Asyndeton: The omission of conjunctions, as in verses 29-35, creates a sense of speed and breathlessness.
- Anaphora: The repetition of the preposition “with” in verses 65 and 66 emphasizes the child’s innocence and vitality.
- Comparison: “With five teeth like five jasmine blossoms” compares the child’s teeth to the delicate beauty of jasmine flowers.
- Hortatory Phrases: Phrases like “Do not landslides. Do not know what happens or what happens” urge the wife and son to remain strong and hopeful.
- Exclamations: Exclamations like “If I could go back to the origin of your flight!” express the poet’s intense emotions.
- Chromatic Imagery: The use of black symbolizes sadness, hopelessness, and darkness.
- Hyperbole: Exaggerations like “Laughter in your eyes the light the world” emphasize the importance of hope and joy.
- Personification: “Your laugh is the sword that won” gives life to the wife’s laughter, portraying it as a powerful force.
- Symbolism: The onion symbolizes hunger, poverty, and grief.
Conclusion
“Lullabies of the Onion” is a powerful and moving testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. It provides a glimpse into the suffering endured by countless families during the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath. Hernandez’s use of vivid imagery, emotional language, and literary devices creates a lasting impression on the reader, making this poem a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of war on individuals and society.
The poem’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to connect with readers on an emotional level, transcending the specific historical context and speaking to the universal themes of love, loss, and hope in times of despair. It stands as a powerful tribute to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love in the face of unimaginable hardship.