Elemental Nature and Eco-Spirituality in the Poetry of Pablo Neruda
Sr No:
Page No:
47-50
Language:
English
Authors:
Mrs. Dipti Yuvraj Shiledar*, Dr. Rajendra D. Gholap
Received:
2026-01-06
Accepted:
2026-02-13
Published Date:
2026-02-27
Abstract:
This research paper explores the representation of elemental nature and eco-spirituality in the poetry of Pablo Neruda, one
of the most influential poetic voices of twentieth-century world literature. Neruda’s poetry consistently foregrounds the intimate
relationship between humanity and the natural world, presenting earth, water, fire, air, plants, stones, and oceans not merely as
aesthetic images but as living presences imbued with spiritual and ethical significance. Through an eco-critical framework, this study
examines how Neruda’s poetic imagination transforms material nature into a source of cosmic unity, ecological consciousness, and
collective human identity. Drawing upon selected works including Residence on Earth, Canto General, and Elemental Odes, the paper
analyzes Neruda’s evolving ecological vision—from surreal alienation to planetary solidarity and environmental reverence. The study
argues that Neruda’s poetry articulates an eco-spiritual worldview grounded in interconnectedness, humility toward natural forces, and
recognition of humanity’s dependence upon elemental processes. His poetic engagement with landscapes of Latin America, especially
Chile’s mountains, forests, deserts, and oceans, reveals nature as historical witness and spiritual teacher. By elevating ordinary natural
objects into sacred experiences, Neruda anticipates contemporary environmental ethics and ecological philosophy. Ultimately, the
paper demonstrates that Neruda’s poetry constructs a form of eco-spiritual humanism where nature becomes a medium for social
justice, cultural memory, and universal belonging.
Keywords:
Eco-criticism, Eco-spirituality, Elemental Nature, Latin American Poetry, Environmental Humanities, Ecological Consciousness, Nature Mysticism, Ecopoetics.