Poem Analysis - Casida Of The Impossible Hand

Introduction: A Singular Desire

Federico Garcia Lorca's "Casida of the Impossible Hand" is a haunting exploration of desire and mortality, centered around the singular, almost obsessive longing for a disembodied hand. The poem opens with a stark simplicity, a declaration of wanting "no more than a hand," and maintains this focus throughout. The tone is initially one of yearning, but it shifts to a more melancholic contemplation of death and the fleeting nature of existence. This creates a complex interplay between hope and despair, love and loss, all encapsulated in the image of this desired hand.

The Specter of Death and the Comfort of Connection

One of the poem's central themes is mortality. The speaker acknowledges their impending death, as evidenced by phrases like "my last night" and "white sheet of my dying,". The hand, therefore, becomes a symbol of comfort and connection in the face of this inevitable end. It is desired for "daily unction," suggesting a ritual of anointing or care during illness, and "to bear a wing of my death," implying it will guide or accompany the speaker into the afterlife. This points towards a need for human touch and companionship when facing the unknown.

Love and Longing Embodied

Another prominent theme is love and longing. The hand is not simply a physical object but a symbol of a deeper emotional connection that the speaker craves. The comparison to "a pale lily of lime" and "a dove chained to my heart" imbues the hand with qualities of beauty, purity, and devotion. The dove, though chained, suggests a willing captivity, a mutual bond of affection. This imagery transforms the simple desire for a hand into a representation of profound love and the longing for reciprocation.

The Fleeting Nature of Existence

The theme of the ephemeral nature of life is subtly woven into the poem's latter half. The line "All the rest passes" underscores the transient nature of worldly possessions and experiences. "Blush now without a name. Perpetual star" is an ambiguous image, perhaps representing a moment of intense but unnamed emotion, or an ideal that is unattainable. The contrast between the "sad breeze" and the "hosts of leaves flee[ing]" further emphasizes the relentless passing of time and the inevitability of decay, making the desired hand a symbol of something lasting amidst this transience.

The Hand as a Multifaceted Symbol

The recurring symbol of the hand is central to understanding the poem. It is not just a hand but "a wounded hand, if possible," adding a layer of vulnerability and imperfection to the desire. The wound could symbolize the shared pain and suffering that deepens human connection. The hand also functions as a guardian, preventing the moon's "entrance wholly" on the speaker's last night, suggesting a desire to hold onto life and light for as long as possible. Is the moon a symbol of something, perhaps death, that the speaker is delaying? The hand is, therefore, a complex symbol encompassing love, protection, mortality, and the desire for lasting connection.

Conclusion: An Enduring Desire

In conclusion, "Casida of the Impossible Hand" is a poignant exploration of human longing in the face of mortality. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Lorca crafts a poem that resonates with a deep sense of yearning for connection, comfort, and meaning. The hand, as the central symbol, becomes a potent representation of these desires, embodying both the fragility of life and the enduring power of love in the face of death. The poem ultimately reveals the profound human need for connection in a world where everything else is transient.