“Ode to Lemon” or “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda

1. Out of lemon flowers
2. loosed
3. on the moonlight, love’s
4. lashed and insatiable
5. essences,
6. sodden with fragrance,
7. the lemon tree’s yellow
8. emerges,
9. the lemons
10. move down
11. from the tree’s planetarium
12. Delicate merchandise!
13. The harbors are big with it-
14. bazaars
15. for the light and the
16. barbarous gold.
17. We open
18. the halves
19. of a miracle,
20. and a clotting of acids
21. brims
22. into the starry
23. divisions:
24. creation’s
25. original juices,
26. irreducible, changeless,
27. alive:
28. so the freshness lives on
29. in a lemon,
30. in the sweet-smelling house of the rind,
31. the proportions, arcane and acerb.
32. Cutting the lemon
33. the knife
34. leaves a little cathedral:
35. alcoves unguessed by the eye
36. that open acidulous glass
37. to the light; topazes
38. riding the droplets,
39. altars,
40. aromatic facades.
41. So, while the hand
42. holds the cut of the lemon,
43. half a world
44. on a trencher,
45. the gold of the universe
46. wells
47. to your touch:
48. a cup yellow
49. with miracles,
50. a breast and a nipple
51. perfuming the earth;
52. a flashing made fruitage,
53. the diminutive fire of a planet.

Introduction

Written by Pablo Neruda, Ode to Lemon “A Lemon” first appeared in his 1925 collection of poetry titled Veinte poemas de amor y una canción desesperada (Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair). The collection quickly won unprecedented popularity among Spanish-speaking readers and cemented Neruda’s status as a leading poetic figure in Latin American literature. However, global fame was slow to come by due to translation issues. The poem is short and simple yet it captures the sensory experience of holding a lemon in one’s hand, evoking feelings of bitterness and sourness. Despite its brevity, the poem has remained popular and continues to be studied and admired for its thematic relevance.

Annotations of Ode to Lemon “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda

Word/Phrase	Line/Verse	Annotation
Lemon flowers	1	Refers to the flowers of the lemon tree which are known for their sweet fragrance.
Loosed	2	Freed or released from the tree.
Moonlight	2	The light of the moon.
Lashed and insatiable essences	4	Implies that love is wild, passionate and unquenchable.
Sodden with fragrance	6	Drenched or saturated with fragrance.
Lemon tree’s yellow	7	The color of the lemon tree’s leaves.
Emerges	8	Appears or comes into view.
Lemons	9	Refers to the fruit of the lemon tree.
Move down	10	Fall from the tree.
Tree’s planetarium	11	Refers to the arrangement of the lemons on the tree that resembles stars in a planetarium.
Delicate merchandise	12	Refers to the lemons which are fragile and must be handled with care.
Harbors	13	Refers to places where goods are loaded and unloaded from ships.
Bazaars	14	Markets or marketplaces.
Light and barbarous gold	16	Refers to the value of lemons, which are both precious and commonplace.
Open	17	Split open.
Halves	18	Refers to the two halves of the lemon.
Miracle	19	Refers to the lemon itself, which is a wonder of nature.
Clotting of acids	20	Refers to the thickening of the acidic juices inside the lemon when it is cut open.
Brims	21	Overflows or fills to the top.
Starry divisions	22	Refers to the segments inside the lemon, which resemble stars.
Creation’s original juices	24	Refers to the pure, natural juices found in the lemon.
Irreducible, changeless, alive	26	Describes the essential, unchanging nature of the lemon.
Freshness	28	Refers to the lemon’s ability to retain its natural fragrance and flavor.
Sweet-smelling house of the rind	30	Refers to the lemon’s aromatic skin.
Proportions, arcane and acerb	31	Refers to the balance of sweet and sour flavors in the lemon.
Cutting the lemon	32	Refers to the act of slicing the lemon open.
Knife	33	A sharp instrument used for cutting.
Little cathedral	34	Refers to the intricate structure of the lemon’s interior.
Alcoves unguessed by the eye	35	Refers to the hidden spaces inside the lemon that are not immediately visible.
Acidulous glass	36	Refers to the shiny, glass-like appearance of the lemon’s interior.
Topazes riding the droplets	38	Refers to the sparkling appearance of the lemon’s juice droplets.
Altars	39	Refers to the sacred or revered nature of the lemon.
Aromatic facades	40	Refers to the lemon’s fragrant exterior.
Cup yellow with miracles	48	Refers to the lemon’s juice which is miraculous in its ability to provide flavor and nutrition.
Breast and nipple perfuming the earth	50	Metaphorically compares the lemon to a breast, ev

Literary and Poetic Devices in “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda

First Literary Device	Second Verse as References	Identification, Meanings and Explanations
Allusion	29. in a lemon	An indirect reference to something outside the poem, here, referring to the idea that something small like a lemon can contain great wonders, just like the universe.
Enjambment	10. move down / 11. from the tree’s planetarium	Continuation of a sentence beyond a line break to create a sense of fluidity and naturalness in the poem.
Hyperbole	15. for the light and the barbarous gold	Exaggeration for emphasis to suggest that the lemon is valuable and precious.
Imagery	1. Out of lemon flowers	Use of vivid, sensory language to create a mental image of lemon flowers in bloom.
Metaphor	31. the proportions, arcane and acerb	A comparison between the taste and properties of a lemon and a mysterious, secret formula.
Mood	3. on the moonlight, love’s	Creating an atmosphere and emotions of romance and love through the use of soft and gentle language.
Onomatopoeia	36. acidulous glass	Use of words whose sounds suggest their meanings, creating an effect that is both audible and sensory.
Oxymoron	14. bazaars / 16. barbarous gold	Use of two words with opposite meanings to create a contrasting effect for emphasis.
Personification	7. the lemon tree’s yellow emerges	Giving human qualities to a non-human object to create a more vivid and emotional image.
Symbolism	20. and a clotting of acids brims	Use of an object or image to represent an abstract idea or concept.
Synecdoche	49. a cup yellow with miracles	A figure of speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, here, “cup” represents the entire lemon.
Tone	13. The harbors are big with it	The author’s attitude towards the subject or audience. Here, a tone of admiration and respect is conveyed towards the lemon.

Sound and Poetic Devices in “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda

Literary Device	Examples/Reference	Meanings and Functions
Assonance	“move down from the tree’s planetarium” (line 11)	It creates a musical effect that draws attention to the descending movement of the lemons such as the sound “o” here.
Consonance	“creation’s original juices, irreducible, changeless, alive” (lines 25-26)	It seeks to create a musical quality to the description of the lemon’s essential qualities such the sounds of “s” and “l” here do.
Diction	“Delicate merchandise!” (line 12), “barbarous gold” (line 16), “miracles” (line 48)	The word choices convey a sense of wonder and appreciation for the lemon’s qualities
Verse Type	Free Verse	The poem does not follow a strict metrical pattern, allowing for a more organic flow and natural expression.
Stanza Type	Irregular Stanzas	The poem is divided into irregular stanzas of varying lengths, adding to the organic and fluid structure of the poem.
Poem Type	Ode	The poem praises and celebrates the qualities of the lemon, elevating it to a symbol of beauty and wonder though its translation does not show English ode structure.
Tone	Reverential, Appreciative	The poem is written in a reverential and appreciative tone, expressing wonder and awe at the beauty and qualities of the lemon.

Functions of Literary Devices in “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda

1. Enhance Meaning: Literary devices enhance readers’ understanding of the poem. These techniques help them to create imagery and deeper meanings in their minds that would not be as clear without these devices. For example, the use of personification in “the lemons / move down / from the tree’s planetarium” (line 9-11) creates an image of the lemons descending from the tree.
2. Create Mood: Literary devices create a certain mood or atmosphere in the poem. For instance, the use of alliteration in “creation’s/original juices” (lines 24-25) creates a sense of harmony and balance. This helps to reinforce the idea of the lemon as a natural and pure creation of the poem, equating it with the fruit.
3. Establish Tone: Literary devices help to establish the tone of the poem. For example, the use of metaphor in “a cup yellow/with miracles” (lines 46-47) creates a tone of reverence and wonder, which helps to emphasize the idea of the lemon as a mystical and extraordinary fruit.
4. Engage the Reader: Literary devices are often used to engage the reader and make the poem more interesting and memorable. The use of simile in “a flashing made fruitage, /the diminutive fire of a planet” (lines 49-50) creates a striking and memorable image, which helps to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Themes in “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda

1. The Transcendence of Nature: The poem “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda portrays the beauty and power of nature. The first stanza, in particular, highlights the magical quality of the lemon tree, suggesting that it is a mystical and otherworldly force. Through the use of vivid and precise verses, Neruda suggests that nature is not just a collection of objects or phenomena, but a living and breathing entity that elicits awe and wonder in those who contemplate it. (Lines 1-11)
2. The Complexity of Life: The poem delves into the intricate and multifaceted nature of life. The lemon is a symbol of the various dimensions of human existence, from the physical to the spiritual. Neruda uses the imagery of the lemon to explore the idea that life is both sweet and sour, delicate and powerful, and full of surprises. That is why lemon’s properties represent the complex aspects of human experience, from the freshness of youth to the wisdom of old age. (Lines 12-31)
3. The Mystery of Creation: “A Lemon” by Neruda explores the idea that creation is a mysterious and awe-inspiring process. Neruda portrays the lemon as a miracle of nature, a product of the universe’s creative power. The poem suggests that creation is not something that can be fully understood or explained, but something that can only be experienced and appreciated. Through the use of concise and imaginative language, Neruda captures the sense of wonder associated with the act of creation. (Lines 18-27)
4. The Beauty of the Mundane: The poem celebrates the beauty and wonder in everyday objects. By focusing on the humble lemon, Neruda shows that even the most ordinary things can be extraordinary when viewed through the right lens. The poem suggests that beauty is not just a matter of appearance, but something rooted in the essence of things. Through his use of simple images and metaphors, Neruda encourages his readers to see the world in a new and appreciative light. (Lines 32-53)

Literary Theories and “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda

1. New Criticism: The New Critical literary theory centers on close reading and textual analysis of the literary work without taking into account the biographical or historical context of the author. In “A Lemon,” Neruda’s use of vivid images and sensory details such as “sodden with fragrance” (line 6) and “riding the droplets” (line 38) showcase his mastery of poetic language. By focusing on the text alone, one can appreciate the beauty of his words without any external influence of his life and circumstances.
2. Postcolonial Theory: Postcolonial theory focuses on the effects of colonialism on both the colonized and the colonizer including the use of power and its expression in writings of that culture. In “A Lemon,” the reference to “the harbors” and “bazaars” (lines 13-14) could be seen as a critique of imperialism and the exploitation of resources from colonized countries. The poem highlights the beauty and value of a simple lemon, which may have been overlooked as an insignificant commodity in the colonial mindset.
3. Psychoanalytic Theory: Psychoanalytic theory explores the unconscious and repressed desires of the author and characters. In “A Lemon,” the use of sensual and sexual imagery, such as “a breast and a nipple / perfuming the earth” (lines 50-51), is suitable to be interpreted as a representation of the author’s erotic desires. The cutting of the lemon with a knife and the resulting imagery of a “little cathedral” (line 33-34) may also be interpreted as a symbol of male genitalia.
4. Reader-Response Theory: Reader-response theory emphasizes the role of the reader in the interpretation of a literary work. In “A Lemon,” the use of sensory details and vivid imagery allows the reader to engage with the poem on a personal level. The reader can imagine the taste, smell, and texture of the lemon, making their interpretation unique to their own experiences and emotions. The poem’s open-ended conclusion also allows for various interpretations, leaving the meaning of the poem up to the reader’s subjective experience.

Essay Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda

1. Topic: Symbolism of a Lemon in Pablo Neruda’s Poetry

Question: How does Pablo Neruda use a lemon as a symbol in his poem “A Lemon”? What deeper meanings does the lemon represent in the poem and how does it relate to the broader themes in Neruda’s poetry?

Thesis statement: In “A Lemon,” Pablo Neruda uses the lemon as a powerful symbol to represent the complexities of life and love, and to explore the themes of transformation and the cyclical nature of existence that are central to his poetry.

2. Topic: Sensory Imagery in “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda

Question: How does Pablo Neruda use sensory imagery in “A Lemon” to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader? What effect does this sensory imagery have on the reader’s understanding of the poem?

Thesis statement: In “A Lemon,” Pablo Neruda uses rich sensory imagery to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, allowing us to feel and taste the lemon, and to fully appreciate its beauty and complexity as a natural object.

3. Topic: Role of Nature in Pablo Neruda’s Poetry

Question: How does Pablo Neruda use nature in “A Lemon” to explore broader themes of life and love? How does this poem fit into Neruda’s broader body of work, which is known for its focus on the natural world?

Thesis statement: In “A Lemon,” Pablo Neruda uses the natural world as a lens through which to explore the complexities of life and love, drawing on his deep connection to nature to create a powerful and evocative work of poetry.

4. Topic: Influence of Pablo Neruda on Contemporary Poetry

Question: How has Pablo Neruda’s poetry, and specifically his use of imagery and symbolism, influenced contemporary poets? How do modern poets continue to draw on Neruda’s work to create powerful and evocative poetry today?

Thesis statement: Pablo Neruda’s poetry continues to influence contemporary poets, who draw on his use of imagery and symbolism to create powerful and emotionally resonant works of poetry that explore the complexities of human experience.

Short Questions-Answers about “A Lemon” by Pablo Neruda”

1. How does Neruda use sensory language to convey the essence of a lemon in the poem?

Neruda uses sensory language to create a clear description of the lemon’s essence in his poem “A Lemon.” To give a sense of the lemon’s aroma, he uses the phrase “sodden with fragrance” (line 6). He also describes the lemon tree’s yellow as “emerging” (line 8) to emphasize the visual beauty of the fruit. These descriptions evoke the readers’ senses and enable them to experience the lemon’s essence. Besides these, the poet also employs synesthetic imagery such as “a clotting of acids brims/into the starry divisions” (lines 20-21) to describe the lemon’s taste and the texture of its juice. This imagery makes the readers perceive the lemon as not only a visual and olfactory experience but also a gustatory one. In short, through his sensory language, Neruda conveys the idea that the lemon is not merely a fruit but an embodiment of nature’s sensory richness.

2. What is the significance of the metaphor of the lemon as “delicate merchandise” in the poem?

The metaphor of the lemon as “delicate merchandise” (line 12) emphasizes the value and beauty of something that might have been overlooked or taken for granted. Neruda writes, “the harbors are big with it/bazaars/for the light and the/barbarous gold” (lines 13-16), likening the lemon to a precious commodity sought after and traded in the market. This metaphor implies that although the lemon may seem like a common fruit, it possesses a unique quality that makes it stand out. This metaphor also invites the reader to appreciate the simple things in life and find beauty in the ordinary. The fact that something as ordinary as a lemon could be compared to “delicate merchandise” elevates the fruit’s value and significance.

3. How does the imagery of the lemon as a “little cathedral” contribute to the poem’s overall theme?

The imagery of the lemon as a “little cathedral” (line 34) emphasizes the sacredness and hence its importance. The poet uses this metaphor to describe the shape of the lemon’s interior, which is revealed when the fruit is cut open. Neruda writes, “cutting the lemon/the knife/leaves a little cathedral:/alcoves unguessed by the eye/that open acidulous glass/to the light” (lines 32-37) to show that the lemon is a natural wonder with its intricate and mysterious interior resembling the architecture of a sacred space. This imagery also contributes to the poem’s theme of finding beauty and value in the ordinary. The metaphor of the “little cathedral” invites the reader to view the lemon as something more than just a fruit but as a work of art and a source of inspiration. It encourages the reader to find spiritual significance in everyday objects and appreciate the wonders of the natural world.