“Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

“Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini was first published in her debut poetry collection, Los Cálices Vacíos (The Empty Chalices) in 1913. This evocative poem is a prime example of Agustini’s early Modernist work as it showcases her exploration of sensuality, the juxtaposition of life and death, and the captivating power of the natural world. Vivid imagery portrays the moon as a symbol of both alluring mystery and a spectral, death-like presence. Agustini’s language often tinged with eroticism, reflecting her bold approach to female desire.

Text: “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

Annotations: “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

1. Assonance:
   • Example: “I adore this pale moon”
   • Explanation: Assonance, evident in the repetition of the long “o” sound, contributes to the poem’s musical quality and emphasizes the speaker’s reverence for the moon.
2. Consonance:
   • Example: “moon, I adore this death mask!”
   • Explanation: Consonance, found in the repetition of the “m” and “d” sounds, reinforces the theme of death and adds emphasis to the speaker’s admiration for the moon’s pale visage.
3. Enjambment:
   • Example: “In a corner of this land with the colors of earth, / I adore this pale moon”
   • Explanation: Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence from one line to the next without a pause, creates a sense of fluidity and connects the speaker’s admiration for the moon with the earthly setting.
4. Hyperbole:
   • Example: “like a flower inflamed”
   • Explanation: Hyperbole, or exaggeration, intensifies the speaker’s emotions and emphasizes the fiery passion with which they adore the moon.
5. Imagery:
   • Example: “In a corner of this land with the colors of earth”
   • Explanation: Imagery paints a vivid picture of the moonlit landscape, allowing readers to visualize the setting described by the speaker.
6. Metaphor:
   • Example: “the moon as a profile of the dead”
   • Explanation: The metaphor compares the moon to a death mask, suggesting its lifeless and pale appearance.
7. Personification:
   • Example: “my soul resigns”
   • Explanation: Personification attributes human characteristics to the soul, emphasizing its surrender to the intoxicating beauty of the moon.
8. Repetition:
   • Example: “I adore this”
   • Explanation: Repetition reinforces the speaker’s intense admiration for the moon, underscoring its significance within the poem.
9. Rhyme:
   • Example: “cold” and “beyond the rekilled and praised pallor”
   • Explanation: Rhyme, the repetition of similar sounds at the ends of words, creates a sense of harmony and musicality in the poem.
10. Simile:
    • Example: “like a flower inflamed”
    • Explanation: The simile compares the speaker’s state to a flower in flames, highlighting the intensity of their emotions.
11. Symbolism:
    • Example: “the moon”
    • Explanation: The moon symbolizes various themes such as death, innocence, and beauty, adding layers of meaning to the poem.
12. Allusion:
    • Example: “Arab pearls”
    • Explanation: The allusion to Arab pearls evokes images of luxury and exoticism, enriching the poem’s imagery.
13. Irony:
    • Example: “Insane ones who die kissing her image in lakes…”
    • Explanation: Irony arises from the contrast between the romanticized act of kissing the moon’s reflection and the tragic consequences it leads to.
14. Oxymoron:
    • Example: “pallid and sad”
    • Explanation: The oxymoron juxtaposes contradictory terms, emphasizing the moon’s melancholic appearance.
15. Enigma:
    • Example: “things taking on white”
    • Explanation: This enigmatic phrase invites interpretation and adds depth to the poem’s imagery.
16. Euphemism:
    • Example: “rekilled and praised pallor”
    • Explanation: The euphemism softens the harsh reality of death, suggesting a reverence for the moon’s pale complexion.
17. Anthropomorphism:
    • Example: “Even the blackest souls become uncertainly bright.”
    • Explanation: Anthropomorphism attributes human-like qualities to abstract concepts, reinforcing the theme of transformation.
18. Onomatopoeia:
    • Example: “strange perfumes”
    • Explanation: Onomatopoeia imitates sounds, adding sensory detail to the poem and enhancing its atmosphere.
19. Paradox:
    • Example: “bloodless and cold”
    • Explanation: The paradox highlights the moon’s lifeless and chilly appearance, contributing to the poem’s mood of detachment and melancholy.

Themes: “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

• Theme 1: The Fascination with Death and the Unknown: The poem explores the speaker’s fascination with death and the unknown, a theme that is evident in the comparison of the moon to a “profile of the dead” (line 2) and the description of the moon as a “death mask” (line 5). The speaker is drawn to the mysterious and the unknown, adoring the pale moon and the “death mask” it casts on the earth (line 5). This fascination suggests a sense of morbidity and a desire to confront the unknown, which is a common theme in Symbolist poetry.
• Theme 2: The Beauty of Innocence and Purity: The poem highlights the beauty of innocence and purity, as embodied by the moon’s light. The speaker describes the moon as “light of innocence” (line 12) and notes that “white things / Illuminate her mysterious light” (lines 12-13). This suggests that the moon’s light is a symbol of purity and innocence, and that even the darkest souls are drawn to its radiance. The speaker’s emphasis on the moon’s whiteness and its ability to illuminate the darkness implies a desire for spiritual cleansing and redemption.
• Theme 3: The Corrupting Influence of Desire: The poem touches on the theme of the corrupting influence of desire, as seen in the description of those who are drawn to the moon’s light. The speaker notes that some are “withered with blasphemy and wine” (line 9) and that they “kiss her trace in the lane” (line 10), suggesting a obsessive and all-consuming desire. This desire is portrayed as a corrupting force, one that leads individuals to abandon their moral and spiritual values. The speaker’s use of words like “blasphemy” and “wine” implies a sense of excess and debauchery.
• Theme 4: The Intoxication of the Senses: The poem explores the theme of the intoxication of the senses, as seen in the speaker’s description of their own experience. The speaker notes that they are “inebriated by strange perfumes” (line 8) and that their “soul resigns” (line 8), suggesting a sense of surrender and intoxication. This theme is closely tied to the idea of the corrupting influence of desire, as the speaker’s senses are overwhelmed by the moon’s light. The speaker’s use of words like “inebriated” and “strange perfumes” implies a sense of disorientation and disconnection from reality.

Literary Theories and “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

Literary Theory	Explanation	References from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	Psychoanalytic theory explores the unconscious mind, desires, and motivations of individuals. In the poem, the speaker’s fascination with the moon’s death-like appearance and their intense emotions suggest underlying psychological themes.	Example: “I adore this pale moon, I adore this death mask!” The speaker’s adoration of the moon’s death-like appearance may reflect unconscious desires or anxieties related to mortality.
Symbolic Interactionism	Symbolic interactionism focuses on how individuals construct meaning through symbols and interactions. The moon serves as a powerful symbol in the poem, representing themes of death, beauty, and the mysteries of the human soul.	Example: “And even the blackest souls become uncertainly bright.” The moon’s mysterious light symbolizes the potential for transformation and the ambiguity of human nature.
Postcolonial Theory	Postcolonial theory examines the effects of colonization and imperialism on literature and culture. Agustini, a Uruguayan poet, may explore themes of identity and cultural hybridity in her work.	Example: “Of Arab pearls, I prefer the rose in recent bud.” This line may reflect the poet’s resistance to Western influences and a celebration of her own cultural heritage.

Critical Questions about “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

• Question 1: How does the speaker’s fascination with death and the unknown reflect their desire for transcendence and spiritual connection?
• The speaker’s fascination with death and the unknown, as seen in the comparison of the moon to a “profile of the dead” (line 2) and the description of the moon as a “death mask” (line 5), reflects their desire for transcendence and spiritual connection. The speaker is drawn to the mysterious and the unknown, adoring the pale moon and the “death mask” it casts on the earth (line 5). This fascination suggests a desire to confront and understand the mysteries of life and death, and to connect with something greater than themselves.
• Question 2: How does the poem’s use of imagery and symbolism reinforce the theme of the corrupting influence of desire?
• The poem’s use of imagery and symbolism reinforces the theme of the corrupting influence of desire through the description of those who are drawn to the moon’s light. The speaker notes that some are “withered with blasphemy and wine” (line 9) and that they “kiss her trace in the lane” (line 10), suggesting a obsessive and all-consuming desire. The use of words like “blasphemy” and “wine” implies a sense of excess and debauchery, while the image of kissing the moon’s trace in the lane suggests a physical and sensual desire. This imagery reinforces the idea that desire can lead individuals down a path of corruption and moral decay.
• Question 3: How does the speaker’s use of personification and metaphor contribute to the poem’s exploration of the beauty of innocence and purity?
• The speaker’s use of personification and metaphor contributes to the poem’s exploration of the beauty of innocence and purity through the description of the moon as a symbol of innocence and purity. The speaker describes the moon as “light of innocence” (line 12) and notes that “white things / Illuminate her mysterious light” (lines 12-13). The use of personification, such as describing the moon as having a “mysterious light”, gives the moon a sense of agency and presence, while the metaphor of the moon as “light of innocence” reinforces the idea that the moon’s light is a symbol of purity and innocence.
• Question 4: How does the poem’s use of language and form reflect the speaker’s sense of intoxication and disorientation?
• The poem’s use of language and form reflects the speaker’s sense of intoxication and disorientation through the use of sensual and dreamy language, as well as the loose and fragmented structure of the poem. The speaker notes that they are “inebriated by strange perfumes” (line 8) and that their “soul resigns” (line 8), suggesting a sense of disorientation and disconnection from reality. The use of words like “inebriated” and “strange perfumes” implies a sense of disorientation, while the loose structure of the poem, with its short sentences and fragmented thoughts, reinforces the idea that the speaker is struggling to maintain a sense of coherence and control.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statement about “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
1. Symbolism of the Moon	How does Agustini use the moon as a symbol in “Al Claro De Luna,” and what does it represent in the poem?	In “Al Claro De Luna,” Agustini employs the moon as a powerful symbol representing themes of death, beauty, and the mysteries of the human soul, conveying the speaker’s intense emotions and fascination with the moon’s ethereal qualities.
2. Themes of Mortality and Beauty	What themes of mortality and beauty are explored in the poem, and how do they contribute to the overall meaning?	Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Agustini explores themes of mortality and beauty, juxtaposing the moon’s death-like appearance with its captivating allure, highlighting the transient nature of life and the enduring power of aesthetic experiences.
3. Psychological Interpretation	How can a psychoanalytic interpretation shed light on the speaker’s emotions and fascination with the moon’s appearance?	A psychoanalytic interpretation of “Al Claro De Luna” reveals underlying desires and anxieties within the speaker’s subconscious, as reflected in their intense emotions and adoration of the moon’s death-like visage, suggesting a deeper exploration of the human psyche.
4. Cultural Identity	How does the poet’s cultural background influence the depiction of the moon and other imagery in the poem?	Agustini’s cultural identity as a Uruguayan poet may influence the portrayal of the moon and other imagery in “Al Claro De Luna,” reflecting a celebration of her own cultural heritage and a resistance to Western influences, adding layers of depth to the poem’s meaning.

Literary Works Similar to “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

1. “Bright Star” by John Keats: Keats’ poem explores themes of beauty, mortality, and the transcendence of love. Like Agustini’s work, it features vivid imagery and evocative language to convey the speaker’s intense emotions and fascination with celestial bodies.
2. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: Eliot’s modernist poem delves into themes of existential angst, alienation, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. While tonally different, it shares with Agustini’s poem a sense of introspection and contemplation of life’s mysteries.
3. “When You Are Old” by W.B. Yeats: Yeats’ poem reflects on themes of love, memory, and the passage of time. Similar to Agustini’s work, it meditates on the transient nature of beauty and the enduring power of artistic expression to evoke emotions across generations.
4. “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold: Arnold’s poem explores themes of faith, doubt, and the erosion of traditional beliefs in an increasingly secular world. While thematically distinct, it shares with Agustini’s poem a sense of melancholy and existential reflection in the face of uncertainty.
5. “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron: Byron’s poem celebrates the beauty of a woman and explores themes of aesthetics, virtue, and the interplay of light and darkness. Like Agustini’s work, it features rich imagery and sensual language to evoke the speaker’s admiration for natural and human beauty.

Suggested Readings: “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

• Kirkpatrick, Giwen. “The Limits of Modernismo: Delmira Agustini and Julio Herrera y Reissig.” Romance Quarterly 36.3 (1989): 307-314.
• Brown, J. Andrew. “Feminine Anxiety of Influence Revisited: Alfonsina Storni and Delmira Agustini.” Revista canadiense de estudios hispánicos (1999): 191-203.
• Jrade, Cathy L. Delmira Agustini, sexual seduction, and vampiric conquest. Yale University Press, 2012.
• https://www.poetrynook.com/poem/al-claro-de-luna-light-moon

Representative Quotations from “Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)” by Delmira Agustini

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“The moon is pallid and sad, the moon is bloodless and cold.”	The speaker describes the moon’s appearance as pale, sad, and devoid of life, setting the tone for the poem’s exploration of mortality and beauty.	Symbolic Interactionism: The moon symbolizes various themes such as death, beauty, and the mysteries of the human soul, creating meaning through interaction with the speaker.
“And at the altar of the night, like a flower inflamed, Inebriated by strange perfumes, my soul resigns.”	The speaker metaphorically compares themselves to a flower inflamed by the moon’s intoxicating beauty, surrendering to its allure and mysteries.	Psychoanalytic Theory: The speaker’s intense emotional response to the moon’s appearance reflects underlying desires and anxieties within their subconscious, suggesting a deeper exploration of the human psyche.
“Insane ones who die kissing her image in lakes… Because she is light of innocence, because white things Illuminate her mysterious light, things taking on white, And even the blackest souls become uncertainly bright.”	The speaker reflects on the tragic consequences of those who die while kissing the moon’s reflection, highlighting the transformative power of the moon’s light.	Postcolonial Theory: The imagery of the moon’s light transforming even the darkest souls suggests a celebration of cultural identity and resistance to Western influences.
“Of Arab pearls, I prefer the rose in recent bud.”	The speaker expresses a preference for the rose in bud over the praised pallor of Arab pearls, suggesting a celebration of natural beauty over artificial adornments.	Feminist Theory: The speaker’s rejection of conventional beauty standards and preference for the natural beauty of the rose reflects a feminist perspective that challenges patriarchal norms and values.
“Even the blackest souls become uncertainly bright.”	The speaker observes that even the darkest souls become uncertainly bright in the mysterious light of the moon, suggesting the transformative power of beauty and illumination.	Existentialism: The line reflects existential themes of uncertainty and transformation, highlighting the potential for personal growth and enlightenment in the face of life’s mysteries.