Poem Analysis - The Moon Wakes

Introduction: A World of Silent Transformation

Federico Garcia Lorca's "The Moon Wakes" evokes a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere, where the ordinary world subtly transforms under the influence of the moon. The poem carries a tone of hushed reverence mixed with a hint of melancholy, shifting from descriptions of tangible changes to the more intangible realm of feeling. The moon's presence initiates a journey into a realm of solitude and hidden emotions, prompting a reevaluation of everyday experiences.

The Poet's Background: A Voice of Spanish Modernism

Federico Garcia Lorca (1898-1936) was a Spanish poet, playwright, and theatre director. As a prominent figure in the Generation of '27, a group of avant-garde Spanish artists, his work often explored themes of social injustice, passion, and the mysteries of life and death, deeply rooted in the Andalusian culture of his birth. This context informs his exploration of intense emotion and vibrant imagery, making "The Moon Wakes" resonate with cultural significance.

Theme of Isolation: An Island in the Silence

One of the central themes in "The Moon Wakes" is isolation. The poem suggests that the moon's presence intensifies feelings of solitude. The line, "the heart feels like an island / in the infinite silence," powerfully conveys this. The heart, a symbol of emotion and connection, is rendered isolated and separate by the "infinite silence" created by the moon. This metaphorical island highlights a sense of emotional detachment and introspection that the moon’s presence induces.

Theme of Hidden Realities: Pathways That Can't Be Penetrated

The theme of hidden realities is developed through the image of "pathways / that can't be penetrated." This suggests the existence of unseen or inaccessible aspects of the world, revealed or emphasized by the moon's light. The moon doesn't simply illuminate; it unveils a deeper, more mysterious layer of existence, one that is normally hidden from everyday perception. This theme touches upon the idea that there are aspects of life and human experience that remain elusive and difficult to fully understand.

Theme of Sensory Transformation: From Oranges to Icy Fruit

The poem explores how the moon transforms our sensory experiences and societal norms. The shift in acceptable fruit consumption from the "orange" to "green and icy fruit" under the moon underscores this change. The orange, traditionally a symbol of warmth and enjoyment, is rejected in favor of "green and icy fruit," representing a colder, less conventional pleasure. This signifies a shift in desires and a rejection of what is typically considered normal or pleasant under the moon's influence. It hints at an exploration of darker, less acknowledged desires.

Symbols and Imagery: The Moon's Ambiguous Influence

The moon itself is a recurring symbol, representing transformation, mystery, and the subconscious. The phrase "with a hundred identical faces" suggests the moon's complex and multifaceted nature. The image of "coins made of silver / sob in your pocket" is particularly evocative. Silver, associated with the moon, suggests that even material possessions are affected by the moon's presence, perhaps implying that they are somehow diminished or transformed into something melancholic. What does this suggest about societal values in contrast to the internal transformation?

Final Thoughts: A Lunar Reverie

"The Moon Wakes" is a haunting exploration of the transformative power of the moon. Through vivid imagery and carefully crafted language, Lorca creates a world where emotions are heightened, realities are questioned, and the individual is left to grapple with feelings of isolation and introspection. The poem’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of wonder and unease, reminding us that even the most familiar aspects of our world can be profoundly altered under the influence of the moon.