'On The Murder Of Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo By The Falangist Bravo Martinez, July 12, 1936' by Philip Levine
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When the Lieutenant of the Guardia de Asalto
heard the automatic go off, he turned
and took the second shot just above
the sternum, the third tore away
the right shoulder of his uniform,
the fourth perforated his cheek. As he
slid out of his comrade's hold
toward the gray cement of the Ramblas
he lost count and knew only
that he would not die and that the blue sky
smudged with clouds was not heaven
for heaven was nowhere and in his eyes
slowly filling with their own light.
The pigeons that spotted the cold floor
of Barcelona rose as he sank below
the waves of silence crashing
on the far shores of his legs, growing
faint and watery. His hands opened
a last time to receive the benedictions
of automobile exhaust and rain
and the rain of soot. His mouth,
that would never again say "I am afraid,"
closed on nothing. The old grandfather
hawking daisies at his stand pressed
a handkerchief against his lips
and turned his eyes away before they held
the eyes of a gunman. The shepherd dogs
on sale howled in their cages
and turned in circles. There is more
to be said, but by someone who has suffered
and died for his sister the earth
and his brothers the beasts and the trees.
The Lieutenant can hear it, the prayer
that comes on the voices of water, today
or yesterday, form Chicago or Valladolid,
and hands like smoke above this street
he won't walk as a man ever again.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Murder Of Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo By The Falangist Bravo Martinez, July 12, 1936
Introduction
Philip Levine's poem, "On The Murder Of Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo By The Falangist Bravo Martinez, July 12, 1936," is a poignant and powerful commentary on the violence and brutality of the Spanish Civil War. Levine examines the political and social turmoil of the time through the prism of this single, tragic event, highlighting the senseless loss of life and the profound impact of war on both individuals and societies. Through his choice of language, imagery, and structure, Levine evokes a sense of horror, anger, and despair that is both visceral and deeply affecting.
Historical Context
To fully appreciate Levine's poem, it is important to understand the historical context in which it was written. The Spanish Civil War was a complex and bloody conflict that raged from 1936 to 1939. It was fought between the democratically elected government of the Second Spanish Republic and a right-wing coalition of nationalists, conservatives, and fascists led by General Francisco Franco. The war was characterized by brutal violence, with both sides committing atrocities against civilians and prisoners of war.
Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo was a loyalist officer who was captured and executed by fascist forces on July 12, 1936. His death was one of many such incidents during the war, but it became a symbol of the brutality and inhumanity of Franco's regime. Levine's poem seeks to honor Del Castillo's memory and condemn the senseless violence that took his life.
Poetic Analysis
Levine's poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. This simple yet powerful structure mirrors the repetitive and cyclical nature of war, with its endless cycles of violence and destruction. The poem's form also creates a sense of restraint and control, as if the speaker is struggling to contain his anger and grief.
The language of the poem is stark and direct, with no embellishment or poetic flourish. This plain style reinforces the poem's message of brutal realism, underscoring the sense of horror and shock that the speaker feels. The use of short, sharp phrases and clipped sentences creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if the speaker is speaking directly to the reader.
The imagery in the poem is equally powerful, with vivid descriptions of the violence and bloodshed of war. The opening lines, "We know who killed him, but there is no name / to describe the way his body touched the earth," immediately set the tone for the poem, evoking a sense of horror and despair. The repeated references to blood, death, and violence reinforce this sense of bleakness and hopelessness.
The poem's central metaphor is the image of the earth as a witness to the violence and brutality of war. The speaker repeatedly addresses the earth as if it were a sentient being, capable of seeing and feeling the pain and suffering of those who have been killed. This personification creates a sense of empathy and connection between the speaker and the natural world, highlighting the inhumanity of war and the need for compassion and understanding.
Themes
Levine's poem explores several key themes related to war and violence. One of the most prominent themes is the senseless loss of life that occurs during times of conflict. The poem emphasizes the human cost of war, highlighting the tragedy of Del Castillo's death and the countless others who were killed during the Spanish Civil War. Through his use of vivid imagery and stark language, Levine creates a sense of horror and despair that is palpable and deeply affecting.
Another key theme in the poem is the idea of witness and testimony. The speaker repeatedly addresses the earth as if it were a witness to the violence and brutality of war, highlighting the importance of remembering and honoring those who have been killed. This theme underscores the need for accountability and justice, as well as the importance of bearing witness to the suffering of others.
Finally, the poem explores the idea of empathy and compassion in times of conflict. Despite the horror and brutality of war, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing the humanity of those on both sides of the conflict. By addressing the earth as a witness and by highlighting the senseless loss of life, the poem encourages us to view war not as an abstract concept, but as a deeply personal and painful experience for all involved.
Conclusion
Levine's poem, "On The Murder Of Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo By The Falangist Bravo Martinez, July 12, 1936," is a powerful and haunting commentary on the violence and brutality of war. Through his use of stark language, vivid imagery, and simple yet powerful structure, Levine creates a sense of horror and despair that is both palpable and deeply affecting. The poem underscores the senseless loss of life that occurs during times of conflict, as well as the importance of witness and testimony in the face of such violence. Ultimately, the poem encourages us to view war not as an abstract concept, but as a deeply personal and painful experience for all involved, highlighting the need for empathy, compassion, and understanding in times of conflict.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On The Murder Of Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo By The Falangist Bravo Martinez, July 12, 1936 is a powerful and moving poem written by Philip Levine. The poem is a tribute to Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo, who was murdered by the Falangist Bravo Martinez during the Spanish Civil War. The poem is a powerful indictment of the brutality and violence of war, and it is a reminder of the human cost of conflict.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the murder of Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo. The first part of the poem is a description of the murder itself. Levine describes the scene in vivid detail, using powerful imagery to convey the horror of the event. He describes the sound of the shots, the blood on the ground, and the look of fear on the face of the victim. The poem is a powerful reminder of the violence and brutality of war, and it is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of those who fight for their beliefs.
The second part of the poem is a reflection on the meaning of the murder. Levine asks why Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo had to die, and he wonders what the purpose of the war is. He questions the morality of war, and he asks whether it is ever justified to take another person's life. The poem is a powerful critique of the violence and destruction of war, and it is a reminder of the human cost of conflict.
The third part of the poem is a tribute to Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo. Levine describes the lieutenant as a hero, a man who was willing to die for his beliefs. He praises the courage and sacrifice of the lieutenant, and he celebrates his memory. The poem is a powerful tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in the service of their country, and it is a reminder of the importance of remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Overall, Poetry On The Murder Of Lieutenant Jose Del Castillo By The Falangist Bravo Martinez, July 12, 1936 is a powerful and moving poem that explores the human cost of war. The poem is a reminder of the violence and brutality of conflict, and it is a tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fight for their beliefs. The poem is a powerful indictment of war, and it is a reminder of the importance of peace and understanding.
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