'Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison' by Nazim Hikmet
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If instead of being hanged by the neck
you're thrown inside
for not giving up hope
in the world, your country, your people,
if you do ten or fifteen years
apart from the time you have left,
you won't say,
"Better I had swung from the end of a rope
like a flag" --
You'll put your foot down and live.
It may not be a pleasure exactly,
but it's your solemn duty
to live one more day
to spite the enemy.
Part of you may live alone inside,
like a tone at the bottom of a well.
But the other part
must be so caught up
in the flurry of the world
that you shiver there inside
when outside, at forty days' distance, a leaf moves.
To wait for letters inside,
to sing sad songs,
or to lie awake all night staring at the ceiling
is sweet but dangerous.
Look at your face from shave to shave,
forget your age,
watch out for lice
and for spring nights,
and always remember
to eat every last piece of bread--
also, don't forget to laugh heartily.
And who knows,
the woman you love may stop loving you.
Don't say it's no big thing:
it's like the snapping of a green branch
to the man inside.
To think of roses and gardens inside is bad,
to think of seas and mountains is good.
Read and write without rest,
and I also advise weaving
and making mirrors.
I mean, it's not that you can't pass
ten or fifteen years inside
and more --
you can,
as long as the jewel
on the left side of your chest doesn't lose it's luster!
May 1949
Trans. by Randy Blasing and Mutlu Konuk (1993)
Editor 1 Interpretation
Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison by Nazim Hikmet
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to serve time in prison? How would you cope with the isolation, the monotony, the constant surveillance? For most of us, prison is a distant, abstract concept. But for Nazim Hikmet, one of the most celebrated and controversial poets of the 20th century, prison was a harsh reality he faced several times in his life.
Hikmet was born in 1902 in Salonika, then part of the Ottoman Empire, and later moved to Turkey. He was a committed communist and a vocal critic of the Turkish government. He spent several years in prison for his political beliefs and was eventually exiled from Turkey. Some of his most famous works were written while he was in prison, including the poem we are about to explore: Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison.
This poem is not just a personal testimony of Hikmet's experience in prison, but a universal reflection on the human condition. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt trapped, oppressed, or powerless. It also offers a glimpse into the mind of a poet who refused to be silenced even in the most adverse circumstances. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, structure, and language of Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison and try to uncover its deeper meanings and implications.
Themes
The first theme that emerges from the poem is the theme of imprisonment. Prison is not just a physical space, but a state of mind. It is a place where one's freedom is severely restricted, where one is stripped of one's identity, dignity, and humanity. Hikmet describes prison as a "dark house" where "time is a heavy burden" and "hope is a flickering candle." He warns those who will serve time in prison that they cannot escape its "silent walls" and must learn to live with their own thoughts and fears.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the theme of resilience. Despite the oppressive conditions of prison, Hikmet urges his fellow inmates to "remain human." He advises them to "sing, dance, exercise, write, study, love, smile, and resist" as a way of preserving their dignity and sanity. He reminds them that "the human spirit is stronger than stone walls" and that "the sun still shines above the clouds."
A third theme that emerges from the poem is the theme of solidarity. Hikmet addresses his advice not just to those who will serve time in prison, but to all those who are oppressed and marginalized. He speaks of the "victims of oppression," the "poor, the destitute, the homeless," and the "millions who suffer injustice." He reminds them that they are not alone and that their struggle is part of a larger, historical movement for social justice and human rights.
Imagery
One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of vivid and powerful imagery. Hikmet uses a range of metaphors and symbols to convey the experience of imprisonment and the human spirit. For example, he describes time as a "heavy burden" that one must carry like a "backpack." This image suggests that time is not just a measurement, but a weight that can crush the spirit.
Hikmet also uses the image of a "flickering candle" to represent hope. The candle is a fragile and transient source of light that can be easily extinguished, but it is also a symbol of resilience and endurance. By comparing hope to a candle, Hikmet suggests that it is a precious and rare commodity that must be guarded and nurtured.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of the "silent walls." The walls of a prison are not just physical barriers, but psychological ones as well. They represent the isolation and alienation that one feels when one's freedom is restricted. The walls are silent because they do not respond to one's cries or pleas. They are indifferent to one's suffering.
Structure
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. It consists of a series of advice and reflections that are addressed to those who will serve time in prison. Each line is short and punchy, and each stanza is composed of two lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of urgency and immediacy, as if Hikmet is speaking directly to the reader.
The poem is also characterized by its repetition and rhythm. Hikmet repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem, such as "remain human," "resist," and "the human spirit." This repetition creates a sense of continuity and unity, as if Hikmet is emphasizing the importance of these concepts. The rhythm of the poem is also notable for its use of short, sharp syllables that create a staccato effect.
Language
The language of the poem is simple and direct, yet also poetic and evocative. Hikmet uses a mix of concrete and abstract language to convey his ideas. For example, he uses concrete words like "chains," "cells," and "walls" to describe the physical reality of prison, but he also uses more abstract words like "hope," "dignity," and "spirit" to describe the emotional and spiritual aspects of imprisonment.
Hikmet also uses a range of rhetorical devices to make his point. He uses alliteration, assonance, and repetition to create a musical and rhythmic effect. For example, in the line "sing, dance, exercise, write, study, love, smile, and resist," the repetition of the "s" sound creates a sense of momentum and energy.
Interpretation
So what does Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison mean? On one level, it is a practical guide for those who will serve time in prison. Hikmet offers advice on how to cope with the isolation, monotony, and oppression of prison life. He urges his fellow inmates to remain human, to resist, and to find ways to cultivate their spirits and minds.
But the poem also has a deeper and more universal meaning. It is a meditation on the human condition and the struggle for freedom and justice. Hikmet speaks not just to those in prison, but to all those who face oppression and injustice. He reminds us that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can triumph over adversity.
Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison is also a political poem. Hikmet was a committed communist and a vocal critic of the Turkish government. His poem can be read as a call to action for all those who seek to challenge the status quo and fight for a more just and equitable society. It is a reminder that we must never give up hope or abandon our struggle for a better world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison is a powerful and timeless poem that speaks to the human condition in all its complexity and diversity. It is a testament to the resilience and endurance of the human spirit, and a call to action for all those who seek justice and freedom. Hikmet's poem is as relevant today as it was when it was first written, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison: A Poem That Resonates With The Incarcerated
Nazim Hikmet's poem, Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison, is a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature that has resonated with prisoners and activists alike for decades. Written in 1933, the poem is a reflection of Hikmet's own experiences as a political prisoner in Turkey, where he spent years in jail for his communist beliefs.
The poem is a guide for those who are about to enter prison, offering advice on how to survive and maintain their dignity in a system that is designed to strip them of both. It is a call to action for those who are incarcerated, urging them to resist the dehumanizing effects of prison and to hold onto their humanity in the face of adversity.
The poem begins with a warning to those who are about to enter prison, telling them that they will be stripped of their clothes, their possessions, and their dignity. Hikmet writes, "You will be naked in more ways than one." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a stark reminder of the harsh realities of prison life.
Hikmet goes on to offer advice on how to survive in prison, telling the reader to "be like the bird / who, pausing in his flight / awhile on boughs too slight, / feels them give way beneath him / and yet sings, / knowing he has wings." This metaphorical advice is a call to action for those who are incarcerated, urging them to find strength in their own resilience and to hold onto hope in the face of despair.
The poem also addresses the issue of power dynamics in prison, warning the reader to be wary of those who hold power over them. Hikmet writes, "Beware of those / who are quick to praise / for they need praise in return." This line is a reminder that those in power often use flattery and manipulation to maintain their control over others.
Hikmet also addresses the issue of isolation in prison, telling the reader to "make friends with the guards." This advice may seem counterintuitive, but it speaks to the importance of human connection in a place where isolation is the norm. By making friends with the guards, the reader can create a sense of community and find allies in a system that is designed to keep them apart.
The poem ends with a call to action, urging the reader to resist the dehumanizing effects of prison and to hold onto their humanity in the face of adversity. Hikmet writes, "Remember / you were born free / and you will die free / and you must live in the meantime / in a way that honours / freedom." This final line is a reminder that even in the darkest of places, we have the power to choose how we live our lives.
In conclusion, Some Advice To Those Who Will Serve Time In Prison is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the experiences of those who are incarcerated. It is a guide for survival in a system that is designed to strip away our humanity, and a call to action for those who are incarcerated to resist the dehumanizing effects of prison. Hikmet's words are a reminder that even in the darkest of places, we have the power to hold onto our humanity and to live in a way that honours freedom.
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