Life and Death in the Poetry of Miguel Hernández
Early Works: Perito en Lunas
Life and death are prominent themes in Miguel Hernández’s poetry. In Perito en Lunas, his Gongoristic style elevates everyday life through complex metaphors, also addressing life and death. The poem “Egg” depicts the creation of life, while “Funeral” and “Cemetery” explore death.
Love and Loss in El rayo que no cesa
El rayo que no cesa emphasizes love alongside life and death. Hernández expresses the joys and sorrows of love, portraying life through a lens of unrequited affection. In “Death,” he describes death as a ravenous beast. He also sees death as an end to emotional and physical pain. The Elegy to Ramón Sijé poignantly expresses his grief over his friend’s death, connecting his feelings with nature’s cycle.
Life and Hope in Viento del pueblo
In Viento del pueblo, Hernández’s focus shifts to social themes. The concept of life is embodied in the “son,” symbolizing hope for the future with his wife, Josefina Manresa. Poems like “Your Belly” express this hope, contrasting with the pervasive sense of death in Cancionero y romancero de ausencias. Love, life, and death intertwine in “Three Wounds.” Hernández’s poetry reflects the impact of numerous deaths, including those of Federico García Lorca, Ramón Sijé, his sisters, and his first son.
War and Despair in El hombre acecha
El hombre acecha marks a shift towards social commentary. His poetry becomes more collective, moving from “I” to “we.” The war alters his perspective on life and death. His elegy to Lorca praises the poet’s work while lamenting his loss. Hernández encourages resistance against the war, willing to sacrifice his life for the Republic. He portrays the harsh realities of war, emphasizing human suffering and the struggle for survival.
Social Commentary and Personal Tragedy
Hernández’s experiences as a soldier exposed him to the horrors of war. His poems depict human greed and the frequent clashes of war. He expresses pride in his humble origins and ideals, advocating for the defense of the motherland. He criticizes those who prioritize wealth and power, contrasting their lives with the struggles of the working class. He condemns dictators and the destruction they cause, viewing war as a tragic cycle of death.
Final Works: Cancionero y romancero de ausencias
Cancionero y romancero de ausencias represents the culmination of Hernández’s poetic work. Marked by personal tragedies, including the death of his first son, the poems express the pain of absence, love, and death. Love becomes a central theme, conquering death and affirming life. The birth of his second son offers a glimmer of hope amidst despair. Poems like “To My Son” express grief, while “As Less Thy Womb” and “Nanas de la Cebolla” offer glimpses of hope and love.