Miguel Hernández: Poetry of Social and Political Commitment
- Miguel Hernández, a 20th-century poet, began writing at 15. His early poems, inspired by his garden and literary influences (from Virgil to Lorca and Neruda), reflected a deep connection to nature. However, the political context of the Spanish Republic and Civil War significantly shaped his later work, intertwining themes of love, life, and struggle.
Early Life and Influences
Moving to Madrid at a young age, Hernández encountered a contrasting worldview in social gatherings and publications, which further solidified his belief in freedom and social justice, inspiring him to express these ideals in his poetry.
War and Social Commentary
His most representative poems about war and Spain’s turmoil include Wind of the People and El Niño Yuntero. We’ll analyze five key poems: “Winds of the People Take Me,” “Elegy First,” “The Child Yuntero,” “Harvesters,” and “Song of the Soldier Husband.”
Winds of the People Take Me
This poem uses the metaphor of oxen toiling relentlessly for sustenance, representing the Spanish people’s struggle for survival. Despite being controlled by powerful forces (lions, eagles), the poet encourages resistance and defiance: “If I die, I die / with my head held high.”
Elegy First
A tribute to García Lorca after his assassination, this poem criticizes the injustices of war and encourages Spaniards to defend their ideals, even at the risk of death. It highlights the “daily death” experienced under oppression.
The Child Yuntero and Harvesters
These poems depict the suffering of children forced into labor. Hernández compares the child’s burden to a “plow in the chest” and calls for an end to this exploitation. He demonstrates his commitment to social justice by denouncing the harsh conditions faced by workers during the war.
Song of the Soldier Husband
This poem offers a glimpse into the lives of those fighting in the war. Hernández, writing from the trenches, expresses his love for his wife and child, and his hope for a better future. It blends love and war, reflecting the poet’s personal experiences.
The Deserted Sandals
In “The Deserted Sandals” (from The Man Stalks), Hernández reflects on his impoverished childhood and criticizes the societal inequalities that fueled his commitment to the Republican cause. He mocks the privileged class, stating, “All the people of the throne, / boot all the people.”
Legacy
These poems showcase Hernández’s social and political commitment. His powerful verses, often recited to fellow soldiers, encouraged them to fight for peace and freedom. Despite his humble beginnings as a “shepherd poet,” he became known as a social poet and poet of war. His unwavering beliefs led to imprisonment and ultimately, his death.