Poem Analysis - The Other

Introduction: The Mask We Wear

Octavio Paz's "the other" is a short, poignant reflection on identity and the masks we create for ourselves. The poem explores the complex relationship between the constructed self and the authentic being hidden beneath. Its tone is initially declarative, almost clinical, but shifts subtly towards a more melancholic contemplation as the poem progresses. The poem suggests that the artificial facade we present to the world can eventually consume us, blurring the line between the real and the performed.

The Erosion of Authentic Self

One of the central themes in "the other" is the erosion of the authentic self through the adoption of a false persona. The poem opens with the stark statement, "He invented a face for himself." This immediately establishes the idea of a fabricated identity. The subsequent lines, "Behind it, he lived, died, and was resurrected many times," suggest a life spent entirely within this constructed reality. The repetition of "died" and "resurrected" hints at the constant reinvention and adaptation required to maintain this false face, a perpetual cycle of self-deception that ultimately obscures the true individual.

The Prison of Performance

Another significant theme is the suffocating nature of performance. The "face" the man invents becomes a prison. Living "behind it" implies a separation from genuine experience and connection. The wrinkles, usually a sign of lived experience and authenticity, become twisted into a symbol of the mask itself. The phrase "His wrinkles have no face" is particularly striking. It suggests that even the marks of time, which should reflect the true self, are instead imprinted with the characteristics of the artificial face. The poem underscores the price of constant performance: the loss of one's original identity.

Symbolism of the Face and Wrinkles

The poem is rich in symbolism, with the "face" serving as the primary symbol of the fabricated identity. It represents the roles we play, the personas we adopt to navigate the world. The "wrinkles" are equally symbolic. Initially, wrinkles signify age and experience, linking them to reality. However, in this context, they are "wrinkles of that face," indicating that they are merely impressions of the false self, devoid of genuine meaning. This subversion of the wrinkles' traditional association reinforces the theme of the authentic self being lost within the constructed identity. Is it possible that the face he "invented" was an attempt to conform to social expectations, ultimately leading to his own erasure?

Conclusion: A Cautionary Reflection on Identity

"The other" by Octavio Paz serves as a cautionary reflection on the dangers of losing oneself in the creation of a false persona. The poem explores the themes of eroded authenticity and the prison of performance, using the symbolic imagery of the face and wrinkles to highlight the consequences of living behind a mask. In its brevity, it delivers a powerful message about the importance of embracing one's true self, lest we become consumed by the identities we construct.