Two Bodies 86m4r

Two Bodies Octavio Paz

Introduction In “Two Bodies,” Octavio Paz describes the relationship between two people, probably lovers, and their relationship to the world in which they live. Paz uses metaphor as a sort of shorthand to describe the four aspects of the relationship. Each aspect of the relationship is accompanied by a different relationship to the universe.

Waves in the ocean – synchronicity. Two bodies face to face are at times two waves and night is an ocean.

The metaphor of waves in an ocean suggests that the pair of human beings moves together in synchronization and harmony. “at times” suggests that this aspect does not always exist in the relationship

Desert - stones Two bodies face to face are at times two stones and night is a desert.

The metaphor of two stones in a desert suggests that the two human beings are separate. They are physically together but exist in a universe that ignores them. “at times” suggests that this aspect does not always exist in a relationship.

Roots - closeness

Two bodies face to face are at times two roots laced into the night.

 The metaphor of two roots suggests a close relationship that is rooted in an unive and uncaring universe.  In this circumstance the only emotional possible is that which one human being gives another.

Knives - sparks

Two bodies face to face are at times two knives and night strikes sparks.

The metaphor of knives that “strike sparks” suggests that the couple’s relationship is “at times” confrontational.

Stars – empty sky  The metaphor of two stars suggests that the couple possesses beauty, brilliance, and vitality, all of Two bodies face to face which are aspects of are two stars falling human potential. in an empty sky  However, falling stars are burning out and symbolize the couple’s inevitable mortality.  The ‘empty sky’ suggests that the universe is devoid of meaning.

Existentialist Aspects  Against the poem’s background of human mortality and an intrinsically meaningless universe, Paz implies that human relationships, with all their limitations, are the only source of soul-satisfying values in the universe.  This attitude reflects the following characteristics of existentialism: (a) human beings must choose the values by which they will live, for the only certainties in life are suffering and death; (b) however, in the absence of absolute values, human beings have the awesome freedom and responsibility to create their own individuality through their choices and their actions.