Valencia Poet’s Identity: War, Love, and Existentialism
Civil: This poet’s work is a blend of history, geography, and politics, focusing on the people of Valencia and their recent past. The poet, deeply rooted in the village of Brujassot, uses detailed, realistic, and ironic language to explore their identity. The poems often allude to the poet’s connection to Brujassot and its people. The focus is on the war and its aftermath, portraying the poet’s childhood experience as a time of fear, corruption, and suffering for the losers.
Commonplace: The verses often depict everyday life, including the poet’s relationships, work, and surroundings. The poet writes about simple things, avoiding idealization and presenting reality as it is. This approach is akin to that of a reporter or photographer, documenting a harsh reality with direct, unadorned language, sometimes including harsh expressions.
Existential: The poet delves into intimate and personal themes, particularly love and death, drawing from the Greek concepts of Eros and Thanatos. Death is a recurring theme, stemming from personal tragedies like the loss of a daughter and family members, as well as the collective death caused by the Civil War. The poet’s understanding of death evolves over time, from a traumatic event to a daily reality intertwined with life. Love is portrayed as a complex and all-encompassing force, with poems exploring eroticism, sensuality, and the romantic aspects of marriage. The poet challenges conventional views of love, portraying it as an intense and passionate experience that transcends time. The influence of “mad love” is evident, with some poems including provocative language and imagery.
Imagination: In shorter, more imaginative poems, the poet employs a naive, childlike style, reminiscent of traditional poetry. These poems often personify nature, use diminutives, and are intended for entertainment. This style contrasts with the rest of the poet’s work.