Silence Speaks – An Exploration of "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda
Class XII | English ALS Project | Session 2025-26
Student Name: ____________________
Roll Number: ____________________
School: ____________________
Submitted to: ____________________
Certificate of Completion
This is to certify that ____________________, a student of Class XII, has
successfully completed the English ALS Project titled “Silence Speaks –
An Exploration of 'Keeping Quiet' by Pablo Neruda” for the academic
session 2025-26.
Signature of Student: ____________________
Signature of Teacher: ____________________
Index
1. Introduction
2. Text of the Poem
3. Summary of the Poem
4. Themes and Message
5. Poetic Devices and Imagery
6. Importance of Introspection and Unity
7. Relevance of the Poem Today
8. About the Poet – Pablo Neruda
9. Personal Reflection
10. Creative Extension
11. Conclusion
12. Visuals and Quotes
13. Bibliography
Acknowledgement
I express my sincere gratitude to my English teacher who guided me in
completing this project. This project helped me gain a deeper
understanding of poetry and the power of language. I also thank my
family and classmates who supported me throughout this journey.
Declaration
I hereby declare that this project titled “Silence Speaks – An
Exploration of 'Keeping Quiet' by Pablo Neruda” is my original work.
Any content taken from external sources has been properly
acknowledged and cited.
Objective of the Project
The primary objective of this project is to analyze and explore the
poem 'Keeping Quiet' by Pablo Neruda. It aims to interpret its themes,
poetic devices, emotional depth, and relevance in today’s world. The
project also reflects on personal insights and how poetry can inspire
introspection and unity.
Introduction
Poetry is often a mirror to society and the human mind. 'Keeping Quiet'
by Pablo Neruda is a profound piece of literature that emphasizes the
importance of silence, introspection, and global unity. In a chaotic
world driven by ambition and conflict, the poet urges humanity to
pause, reflect, and discover peace within and around. This project
delves deep into the layers of the poem, exploring its symbolism,
message, and emotional impact.
Text of the Poem
Note: The full text of the poem should be handwritten here as per
project guidelines.
You may include the original poem 'Keeping Quiet' by Pablo Neruda,
which starts with:
"Now we will count to twelve
and we will all keep still..."
Summary of the Poem
The poem 'Keeping Quiet' speaks about the need for silence and
stillness in a world full of unrest. Neruda imagines a world where for
one moment, everyone halts their activities — no talking, no moving.
This universal stillness would lead to self-awareness and understanding
among people. He suggests that this quiet moment will help us reflect
on our actions, end conflicts, and rediscover humanity. He clarifies that
the silence is not about inactivity, but a meaningful pause to
rejuvenate our minds and hearts.
Themes and Message
The poem touches on several key themes:
- **Introspection**: Encouraging personal reflection and self-
awareness.
- **Unity**: A call for global togetherness beyond differences.
- **Peace and Stillness**: Suggesting that silence can lead to healing
and clarity.
- **Human Disconnect**: Highlighting how people have become
disconnected from themselves and nature.
- **Anti-war and Environmentalism**: Criticizing war, destruction, and
mindless industrialization.
Neruda's message is clear — progress at the cost of humanity is
hollow. Sometimes doing nothing can achieve more than constant
action.
Poetic Devices and Imagery
Pablo Neruda uses various literary devices to enrich the poem:
- **Alliteration**: 'sudden strangeness' to create musical effect.
- **Enjambment**: Lines flow into the next without pause.
- **Imagery**: Descriptive language like 'fishermen not harming
whales' creates vivid mental pictures.
- **Symbolism**: 'Counting to twelve' symbolizes time, universality,
and completeness.
- **Contrast**: Between noise/silence, motion/stillness, war/peace.
The poetic devices amplify the emotional and philosophical undertones
of the poem.
Importance of Introspection and Unity
In the poem, silence is not emptiness but a gateway to understanding.
Introspection helps individuals see beyond materialism and ego.
Neruda believes that only through self-awareness can we understand
others and achieve true unity. This shared silence can bridge gaps
between nations, races, and ideologies.
Relevance of the Poem Today
'Keeping Quiet' is more relevant than ever in today’s fast-paced, digital
world. Global conflicts, climate change, mental health crises, and social
divisions highlight the need to pause and reflect. The poem serves as a
timeless reminder that silence, empathy, and reflection are essential to
survival and coexistence.
About the Poet – Pablo Neruda
Pablo Neruda (1904–1973) was a Chilean poet, diplomat, and politician.
He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971. Known for his
passionate and politically charged poetry, Neruda’s work spans themes
of love, nature, oppression, and resistance. 'Keeping Quiet' represents
his spiritual and philosophical outlook on life and humanity.
Personal Reflection
Reading 'Keeping Quiet' helped me appreciate the significance of
silence in our lives. In a world full of noise, taking a moment to
breathe, reflect, and connect can be revolutionary. It taught me that
peace starts within and that sometimes doing nothing is a powerful
act. The poem made me feel calm, inspired, and more aware of my
surroundings.
Creative Extension
A Poem Inspired by 'Keeping Quiet':
"In a world so loud and wild,
Let us be still, like nature’s child.
No engines roar, no guns that fight,
Just breathing air and morning light.
Let us pause, not out of fear,
But to feel our loved ones near.
In that silence, truths unfold,
A warmer world, a heart less cold."
Conclusion
'Keeping Quiet' is a visionary poem that challenges modern humanity
to embrace silence, unity, and peace. Pablo Neruda invites us to see
beyond divisions and reflect on what truly matters. The poem’s
simplicity is its strength — a gentle voice asking us to pause, think,
and love. In the hush, we may finally hear what is real.
Visuals and Quotes
Suggested visuals:
- A globe wrapped in silence symbols
- Doves, clocks, calm seas, and meditating figures
Quotes:
- “In silence, there is eloquence.” – Rumi
- “Peace begins with a smile.” – Mother Teresa
- “Sometimes, we need to pause to move forward.”
Bibliography
- NCERT English Textbook – Flamingo
- Collected Poems of Pablo Neruda
- [Link]
- Teacher’s Notes and Class Lectures
- Personal Interpretation and Reflection
