Analysis of Xabier Lizardi’s Poetry
Biotz-begietan
Theme
The poem, part autobiographical, reflects on life and history as composed of the seen and the beloved, drawing parallels with Xabier Lizardi’s own experiences and Blas de Otero’s autobiographical approach.
Structure
The poem utilizes varying versification while maintaining a traditional structure, employing enjambment for emphasis.
Introduction (1-5)
Beginning with a temporal adverb (“now”), the poem shifts into a first-person narrative expressing the desire to recount a life story. A striking metaphor in verse four (“the rich country around my waist”) symbolizes family. The stanza concludes with “write and corn,” suggesting a truthful yet partially censored narrative.
Development (6-32)
This section reveals different life stages: breaking away from maternal protection (6-8), the impactful years at the Jesuit school of Indautxu (metaphorically represented as “black ice tormented”). Verse 22 marks a change with the move to Madrid, followed by the deaths of his brother and father (24-26). Verse 27 highlights the family’s struggles to maintain appearances amidst financial hardship. The “writing and corn” metaphor reappears (verse 30), and verses 31-32 hint at a shift in his poetry.
Conclusion (33-39)
This section depicts a trip to Paris, encounters with politicians, joining the Communist Party, and a change in his life and poetry. The poem ends with the suggestion of writing and remaining silent.
Gallarta (Perhaps the sea. Nor. The man in case)
Theme
The poem explores the poet’s experiences in the Gallarta mines.
Structure
The poem follows a classical structure.
Introduction (1-5)
Starting with a temporal setting (“the fall”), the poem introduces the red soil and rock, alluding to minerals and the negative connotations of war. It concludes by focusing on the mine, the stone, and the man.
Development (6-14)
Verse six presents a temporary situation juxtaposed with the image of walking to the top against the backdrop of the sea, a metaphor for the Basque people. The time setting (five in the afternoon) coincides with the end of the miners’ workday. Ortuella is mentioned, followed by an allusion to Dolores Ibarruri, a self-educated woman who played a significant role in labor movements (metaphorically referred to as “beautiful god of misery”). The poem also alludes to the dangerous areas of the mine.
Conclusion (15-19)
This section emphasizes the importance of iron for industrial development and the significance of the miners. It concludes with a powerful statement about the mining profession (“law of my poems”).
It Rains in Bilbao
Theme
Rain serves as a trigger for memories, evoking Bilbao, childhood, and beloved figures.
Structure
The poem has a two-part structure.
Introduction and Development (1-8)
Rain evokes childhood memories in Bilbao, revisiting familiar landscapes and incorporating stylistic resources like enumeration (“rain, rain, rain”) to represent the persistent drizzle and alliteration (repetition of the palatal sound “ll”).
Conclusion (8-end)
The poem returns to the Bilbao environment, mentioning Pagasarri (a mountain near Bilbao) and Mademoiselle Isabel, the childhood nurse, framing the poet’s life thereafter.
Far
Theme
The poem expresses longing for the poet’s homeland.
Structure
The poem has a two-part structure: presentation of the landscape and development of memories, followed by a musical conclusion.
Presentation
The Bilbao landscape appears in the poet’s memory, triggering recollections of childhood, college days, early experiences like watching movies, and the ever-present influence of religion.
Development and Conclusion
The poem focuses on specific locations in Bilbao: Archanda and Pagasarri, the old town, and the Nervión River. It concludes with the refrain of a children’s song (“the virgin of the cave”) and a metaphor (“muddy girl and tender soul and destroyed”) alluding to a difficult childhood away from home.
If I Die
Theme
The poem is a declaration of principles, emphasizing the fight for life and peace.
Structure
The poem follows a classical structure.
Introduction (1-4)
This section introduces the central themes of the poet’s work: life and peace.
Development (5-11)
The poem addresses death with a sense of positivity, passing the torch to the younger generation and employing the collective “we” (“let a man instead”).
Conclusion
The poem concludes with an allusion to freedom (“to open up the wide balcony,” echoing Lorca) and a final metaphor (“the Chest of Broken Glass”) representing tenderness and fragility.