Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)
by Delmira Agustini
The moon is pallid and sad, the moon is bloodless and cold.
I imagine the half‑moon as a profile of the dead…
Beyond the pallor of Arab pearls, I prefer the rose in recent bud.
In a corner of this land with the colors of earth, I adore this pale moon, I adore this death mask!
And at the altar of the night, like a flower inflamed, Inebriated by strange perfumes, my soul resigns.
I know of lips withered with blasphemy and wine; after an orgy they kiss her trace in the lane.
Insane ones who die kissing her image in dead lakes…
Because she is light of innocence, because white things illuminate her mysterious light, things take on white,
And even the blackest souls become uncertainly bright.
Summary of Al Claro De Luna (In The Light Of the Moon)
- About the Poem – “Al Claro De Luna” (In the Light of the Moon) is a poem by the Uruguayan poet Delmira Agustini. It reflects on beauty, melancholy, and the luminous presence of the moon.
- Theme of Love – The poem is not a conventional love poem. Instead, it presents a profound admiration for the moon’s ethereal beauty. Agustini contrasts the moon’s somber appearance with the vibrancy of life, finding allure in its melancholic glow.
- Major Themes – The poem explores beauty, adoration, and the complexities of human nature. Agustini gives the moon a feminine persona and examines how people interact with beauty, noting that beauty can appear even in darkness and has a transformative power.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Al Claro De Luna (In the Light of the Moon)
Delmira Agustini masterfully employs a range of literary devices to craft a poem rich in meaning and aesthetic appeal. These techniques work in harmony to enhance the poem’s emotional impact and create a lasting impression on the reader.
- Assonance – The repetition of vowel sounds gives the poem a musical quality. For instance, the repeated “e” in “I know of lips withered with blasphemy and wine” draws attention to the image of decay and indulgence. The repeated “o” in “The moon is pallid and sad, the moon is bloodless and cold” reinforces the melancholic tone.
- Consonance – The repetition of consonant sounds adds texture and rhythm. The repeated “t” in “Because she is the light of innocence” emphasizes the transformative power of the moon’s glow. The repeated “r” in “And at the altar of the night, like a flower inflamed” evokes a fiery, passionate image, intensifying the poem’s emotional resonance.
- Enjambment – Agustini uses enjambment to create fluidity. For example: “And at the altar of the night, like a flower inflamed, Inebriated by strange perfumes, my soul resigns.” The line carries the thought forward without punctuation, blurring the boundary between the physical and spiritual realms.
- Irony – The poem finds beauty in what is often associated with death and decay. The reverence for the “death mask” of the moon is an ironic celebration of darkness, suggesting a fascination with the fleeting nature of beauty.
- Imagery – Vivid images such as the “pallid moon,” the “flower inflamed,” and the “lips withered with blasphemy” engage the senses and immerse the reader in the poem’s evocative atmosphere.
- Personification – The moon is given human qualities throughout the poem, as in “Because she is the light of innocence.” This personification deepens its symbolic role.
- Symbolism – The moon symbolizes feminine allure, mystery, and the coexistence of light and darkness. The poem’s imagery and language invite multiple interpretations.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Al Claro De Luna (In The Light Of the Moon)
While literary and poetic devices often overlap, certain techniques are especially effective in poetry. Agustini employs them to enhance the poem’s aesthetic qualities and emotional depth.
- Diction – Agustini’s deliberate word choices, such as “pallid,” “bloodless,” and “inebriated,” establish mood and atmosphere, guiding the reader through the poem’s exploration of beauty and darkness.
- Free Verse – “Al Claro De Luna” is written in free verse, allowing a natural, flowing rhythm that emphasizes imagery and emotional content. This freedom conveys spontaneity.
- Quatrain – The first two stanzas can be read as quatrains, providing a subtle structure within the free‑verse form and creating a contrast between order and freedom.
- Stanza – The poem is divided into three stanzas, each varying in length. This arrangement marks progression and highlights evolving themes, guiding the reader through an emotional landscape.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines are particularly evocative and can be used to express admiration for beauty or to capture a sense of mystery and allure:
“Insane ones who die kissing her image in dead lakes…
Because she is light of innocence, because in that mysterious light.”