Poem Analysis - Ballad Of The Moon

A Dreamlike Encounter in the Forge

Federico Garcia Lorca's "Ballad of the Moon" is a haunting and evocative poem that blends elements of folklore, desire, and impending doom. The poem unfolds like a dream, shifting between tender intimacy and violent threat, creating an atmosphere of both beauty and unease. The tone is lyrical and sensual, yet tinged with a palpable sense of danger, culminating in a tragic, ambiguous resolution. The poem's recurring imagery of the moon, the forge, and the gypsies contributes to its unsettling and otherworldly feel.

Echoes of Romani Culture and Marginalization

Lorca, a Spanish poet deeply connected to his Andalusian roots, often incorporated elements of Romani (Gypsy) culture into his work. In "Ballad of the Moon," the gypsies are portrayed as both romantic figures and potential threats. This duality reflects the complex relationship between Spanish society and the Romani people, who were often marginalized and stereotyped. The poem might subtly touch upon the tensions and prejudices existing at that time, adding another layer to the poem's overall sense of unease.

A Dance with Desire and Death

One of the central themes of the poem is the dangerous allure of desire, intertwined with the inevitability of death. The Moon, personified as a seductive and ethereal figure, embodies this dangerous beauty. Her appearance in the forge immediately captivates the boy. The boy's innocent fascination with the Moon leads him to his demise. The gypsies' arrival and the boy's death on the anvil suggest that indulging in such desires can lead to destruction.

Symbolism and Impending Doom

Several recurring symbols contribute to the poem's overall message of impending doom. The moon itself is a complex symbol, representing beauty, femininity, and perhaps even a tempting but ultimately destructive force. The forge, traditionally a place of creation, becomes a site of tragedy, highlighting the destructive potential within the creative process. The "white starch" of the moon's lane could symbolize a sterile, unnatural path, leading away from life and towards a cold, inevitable end. The boy's "little eyes shut" at the end of both stanzas foreshadowing the tragic finale emphasizes his innocence and helplessness in the face of forces beyond his comprehension. The horses’ hoofs are onomatopoeic foreshadowing of the arrival of death, and the gypsies.

Tragedy and Ambiguity

The poem concludes with a sense of profound tragedy and lingering ambiguity. The gypsies' cries and screams at the forge, combined with the wind's silent observation, create a chilling image of loss and desolation. The poem's cyclical nature, with the wind "watching the Moon" as the poem began, suggests that this cycle of desire and destruction is an ongoing phenomenon. Ultimately, "Ballad of the Moon" is a powerful meditation on the seductive nature of beauty, the fragility of innocence, and the ever-present shadow of death.