Pablo Neruda, whose real name was Ricardo Eliécer Neftalí Reyes Basoalto (July 12, 1904 – September 23, 1973), was a Chilean poet and diplomat. He is considered one of the most important figures in Spanish-language literature. In the literary world, he is renowned for his poetry that explores romantic and social themes, as well as for his political activism.
Neruda began his poetic career at a young age and quickly gained recognition. He published his first poetry collection, “Crepusculario,” in 1923. His poems delve deeply into nature, love, death, and social injustice, incorporating elements of the supernatural and mysticism. He conveyed emotional intensity to the readers through his unique language and imagery.
Neruda is also known for his political views. During the Spanish Civil War, he supported the Republican government and was exiled after the war. He later returned to Chile and continued his political career, serving as a diplomat in various Chilean embassies around the world. In 1970, he ran for the presidency of Chile with the backing of Salvador Allende’s revolutionary government, identifying as a communist.
Some of Neruda’s most renowned works include “Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair” (Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada), “Residence on Earth” (Residencia en la tierra), and “Canto General.” He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971. Neruda passed away in 1973 following the military coup in Chile. His death raised allegations of assassination by poisoning under the regime, and a 2013 investigation confirmed these claims.
The work about Neruda
Neruda’s Postman is the title of Antonio Skármeta’s work, first written as a theater play in 1982 while in Berlin, and republished as a novel in 1985.
“Neruda’s Postman” (original title: “Ardiente Paciencia”) is a novel written by Chilean author Antonio Skármeta. The book tells a story inspired by real events and explores the relationship between Pablo Neruda, the renowned poet, and a young postman.
The novel is set in a small coastal town in Chile. The protagonist, Mario Jiménez, is a young mail carrier who is assigned as the postman for the famous poet, Pablo Neruda. Mario develops a close friendship with Neruda and becomes deeply enamored with the poet’s life and works.
With Neruda’s guidance and poetic clues, Mario discovers his own creative side. Through this process, his imagination and connection to poetry have a profound impact on the town and its people. However, political and social changes also become intertwined with the story. The novel is set during the period of the 1973 Chilean military coup, and this upheaval deeply affects the lives and relationships of the characters.
“Neruda’s Postman” explores themes of friendship, imagination, art, and politics. With the backdrop of Pablo Neruda’s real-life fame and influence, the novel weaves fictional elements to provide readers with a powerful emotional experience. The book has also been adapted into a film titled “Il Postino” (The Postman).
