Poem Analysis - Fable Of The Mermaid And The Drunks

Introduction: A Tale of Innocence Lost

Pablo Neruda's "Fable Of The Mermaid And The Drunks" is a poignant and disturbing allegory of innocence corrupted by cruelty. The poem unfolds as a stark narrative, initially tinged with ethereal beauty, but swiftly descends into a scene of brutal degradation. The tone is one of initial wonder giving way to shock and ultimately, deep sorrow. This emotional arc is mirrored in the mermaid's journey from naive wonder to devastating disillusionment.

The Violation of Innocence: A Central Theme

A central theme in the poem is the violation of innocence. The mermaid, described as "newly come from the river," is utterly unprepared for the depravity of the human world. Her nakedness represents vulnerability and natural purity, contrasting sharply with the drunken men's lewd and aggressive behavior. The acts of spitting, obscenities, and physical abuse, like "blackening her with burnt corks and cigarette stubs," symbolize the tainting of her pristine being. The line "Not knowing tears, she did not weep tears," highlights her initial inability to comprehend the evil being inflicted upon her, emphasizing her innocence before it's shattered.

The Destructive Nature of Malevolence: Drowning in Obscenity

The poem vividly explores the destructive nature of human malevolence. The drunks, representing the basest elements of society, attack the mermaid with a torrent of insults and physical defilement. The line "Obscenities drowned her golden breasts" is particularly powerful, suggesting that the men's words are as harmful and suffocating as physical violence. The men’s actions are a manifestation of their own inner ugliness projected onto an innocent victim. Their laughter, as they "rolled around laughing on the tavern floor," underscores their callous disregard for the mermaid's suffering, solidifying the theme of unprovoked cruelty.

Emptiness as a Refuge: Escaping Back to the Source

Isolation and the search for solace are also prominent themes. The mermaid's inability to communicate ("She did not speak because she had no speech") emphasizes her isolation and helplessness. Her beauty, described through images of "distant love" in her eyes and arms "made of white topaz," is wasted on the drunken men, who are incapable of appreciating it. The poem concludes with her return to the river and her eventual "swam towards emptiness, swam towards death," suggesting that death is preferable to the pain and corruption she experienced in the human world. "Swam towards emptiness" could represent the isolation and desolation she feels after her encounter.

Symbolism of Water and the Mermaid: Purity and Corruption

The mermaid and water serve as potent symbols throughout the poem. The mermaid herself represents purity, beauty, and the natural world, while the water symbolizes cleansing and renewal. The act of entering the river "she was cleaned, shining like a white stone in the rain," underscores water's restorative power, washing away the physical filth inflicted upon her. However, the fact that she then swims towards death suggests that the emotional damage is irreparable. Does the water truly cleanse her, or does it merely provide a temporary escape from the enduring trauma?

Concluding Thoughts: A Fable of Lost Hope

In conclusion, "Fable Of The Mermaid And The Drunks" is a powerful and disturbing allegory that explores the themes of innocence violated, the destructive nature of malevolence, and the search for solace in a corrupt world. Neruda uses vivid imagery and symbolism to create a haunting narrative that lingers long after the final line. The poem serves as a critique of human cruelty and a lament for the loss of innocence, leaving the reader with a sense of profound sadness and a question about the possibility of redemption in a world capable of such brutality.