Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market
Pablo Neruda
Summary of the Poem
In the poem "Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market" the poet is meditating on the life of a now dead tuna. He speaks of the tuna as a mighty creature and states how great a shame that such a great fish would come to rest, dead amongst some wimpy vegetables. Oh, how sad, the poor, large tuna dead...
Poet's Theme
The theme is "dead fish" Here is a quote that supports that: "Here, among the
market vegetables, this torpedo from the ocean depths, a missile that swam now
laying in front of me, dead". This theme is used in the poem to talk about a dead
fish. You can tell that the poet was against fishing. He really exaggerates on what a pity it is that the tuna will no longer enjoy the joy of living.
Poetic Elements
Alliteration-
"the unknown, the
unfathomable
darkness, the depths"
Assonance-
"in the torrent,
in the coursing"
Repetition-
"now
lying in front of me
dead.",
"Dead
in front of me",
"navigating now
the waters of death."