Keeping Quiet is Chapter 10 in the Class 12 English Flamingo textbook. Written by the famous Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, this poem speaks about the power of silence and introspection. In a world full of noise, rush and conflict, the poet suggests that even a brief pause in our daily routine can help us better understand ourselves and each other. With simple words, Neruda encourages us to stop for a few moments and reflect—not just individually, but together as humanity. The message is relevant even today, especially for students who are always under pressure.
I chose to write about this poem because most students look at it as just another ‘abstract’ poem and don’t realise how relatable it actually is. The core idea of this poem is to take a break—not for laziness, but for peace. In school life, especially in Class 12, where stress is at its peak due to board exams and future decisions, poems like this act as a gentle reminder that it’s okay to pause and think. Also, questions from this chapter often appear in CBSE exams, so understanding the poem deeply is very useful from a marks point of view.
Summary of Keeping Quiet by Pablo Neruda
The poem begins with a strange request—let’s not speak in any language, let’s stop for a second. The poet is not asking us to be lazy or inactive. Instead, he wants us to stop all activities, even talking, just for a short moment, and reflect in silence. According to him, this moment of silence will not be negative or empty—it will be full of meaning.
Neruda says that if people pause together, they might realise how connected we all are. He mentions examples like fishermen harming whales and people fighting wars. If they stopped for a moment, they might understand the damage they are causing to nature and humanity.
He also says this stillness will not mean death or total inactivity. Instead, it’s a moment for self-awareness. He ends the poem by saying that life is about moving slowly and mindfully, not just running blindly behind success or goals.
Key Themes in the Poem
- Peace and Silence – True peace comes from taking a break from constant noise and activity.
- Unity of Humanity – The poet wants everyone to pause together, showing that we are all the same at the core.
- Self-Reflection – By being silent, we give ourselves time to think deeply.
- Environmental Awareness – The poem subtly touches on how human activities are harming nature.
Literary Devices Used
| Device | Example in the Poem |
|---|---|
| Alliteration | “we would all be together” |
| Repetition | “let’s not speak… let’s stop…” |
| Metaphor | “face of the earth” for global awareness |
| Enjambment | Lines flow without punctuation, creating a natural tone |
| Symbolism | “silence” symbolises peace and reflection |
Download PDF – Keeping Quiet Class 12 Flamingo
Students can download the official NCERT PDF of Keeping Quiet directly from here. It includes the poem and all related questions and exercises.
