Analysis of Three Poems by Vicent Andrés Estellés
Night: A Poem of Grief and Devotion
This poem, from the book “Night” (1956), was written when Estellés was 32 years old. Dedicated to St. Vincent Ferrer, it expresses the profound sadness of losing a daughter and the exhaustion of caring for an ill wife. The poet seeks solace and protection from the saint, highlighting the misery of life and the longing for relief.
The poem’s tone is somber and melancholic, with vivid imagery like “a moon like bitter gall” conveying the poet’s despair. The allusion to St. Vincent adds another layer of sadness, as the saint becomes a symbol of the lost daughter. The poem’s structure, with its abundance of commas and enjambments, mirrors the poet’s emotional turmoil.
Vicent song to: An Ode to Valencia
From the “Book of Wonders” (1971), this poem explores the poet’s relationship with his city, Valencia. He questions why he struggles to write about it directly, finding himself instead describing everyday elements like streets, schools, and churches. This unconscious portrayal reveals his deep affection for the city and its life.
The poem’s tone shifts from solemn and majestic to a more casual and intimate one. Estellés uses a conversational style, emphasizing the everyday aspects of Valencia that he cherishes. The poem also features surreal and ironic moments, such as when he imagines Valencia after his death.
Aci: Remembering Ausiàs March
Also from the “Book of Wonders,” this poem is a tribute to the renowned Valencian poet Ausiàs March. Estellés evokes March’s life and death, recalling the streets he walked, the house he lived in, and the day of his funeral. The poem is filled with admiration and affection for March.
Estellés employs a lyrical and hyperbolic tone, expressing his deep respect for March. The poem features alliteration, creating a sense of serenity and tranquility. Short sentences and repetition further emphasize the poem’s calm and reflective nature.
Assumiras voice: Embracing the Collective
This poem, from the “Book of Wonders,” emphasizes the importance of community and collective identity. Estellés urges the reader to abandon personal habits and embrace the needs of the people. The poem highlights the transformative effect of prioritizing the collective over the individual.
The poem’s tone is instructive and commanding, with an abundance of future tense verbs emphasizing the obligation to serve the people. Estellés advocates for selflessness and the sharing of customs and experiences. The poem’s structure, with its repetition of conjunctions, reinforces the sense of unity and interconnectedness.