Poem Analysis - Norm And Paradise Of The Blacks

An Exploration of Contrasts and Desires

Federico Garcia Lorca's "Norm and Paradise of the Blacks" is a poem steeped in contrast and vibrant imagery. It presents a world divided, seemingly along racial lines, though the poem's symbolism transcends literal interpretations, exploring a deeper tension between opposing forces. The poem's tone is initially critical, even hostile, before shifting to a more romantic and sensual portrayal of the "Blacks" and their perceived world. This shift creates a complex tapestry of desire, rejection, and ultimately, a surrender to a different kind of beauty.

Lorca's Background and the Allure of the "Other"

Federico Garcia Lorca, a Spanish poet and playwright, often explored themes of marginalized groups and unconventional desires in his work. While a deep dive into the specific historical context surrounding this poem is difficult without further information (such as date of writing), Lorca's fascination with the "other" – those outside the dominant social norms – is a recurring motif in his work. He may have used the "Blacks" as a symbol for a way of life considered primal, unrestrained, and perhaps even threatening to the established order.

Rejection of the "White" and Embrace of the "Blue"

One of the central themes of the poem is the rejection of a perceived "white" world, characterized by coldness, precision, and artificiality. The first two stanzas describe what "They hate": the "shadow of the bird," the "bodiless arrow," the "needle that keeps the pressure." These images evoke a sense of control, sterility, and a denial of natural instincts. In stark contrast, the poem then embraces a "blue desert," "swaying bovine expressions," and the "water's curved dance." This shift highlights the desire for a more natural, sensual, and less restrictive existence. The color blue, recurring throughout the second half of the poem, becomes symbolic of this liberated world.

Symbols of Restraint and Freedom

The poem is rich in symbolism. The "needle," mentioned in the second stanza, serves as a powerful symbol of restraint and the pressure to conform. It pierces and holds, preventing the natural unfolding of emotions represented by the "rose." Conversely, the "blue desert" and "dancing rains" represent freedom and the boundless possibilities of the natural world. The "ostrich eggs" in the fifth stanza, "eternal" in the "crackling blue," could symbolize a preserved potential, a promise of life and creation untainted by the constraints of the "white" world. It raises a question: is this "blue" paradise a genuine state of being or a romanticized ideal, forever untouched and therefore, ultimately unattainable?

A Final Surrender to Sensuality

The concluding stanzas depict a scene of sensual surrender. "Torsos dream under the gluttony of grass," and "corals soak the ink's despair." These images suggest a complete abandonment to the pleasures of the body and a rejection of intellectual or artistic pursuits ("ink's despair"). The poem ends with a sense of finality: "the space of the dance remains over the final ashes." This could imply that even in death, the joy and freedom of this "blue" world persist, a testament to the enduring power of sensuality and the rejection of a life lived in restraint. "Norm and Paradise of the Blacks" ultimately presents a provocative exploration of contrasting values and a yearning for a more uninhibited and natural way of being.