Throughout the poem, Neruda develops his appeal towards tranquility and internal reflection, pushing us towards a collective moment of introspection and appreciation of our shared existence.

Poet: Pablo Neruda

Pablo Neruda was a Chilean poet, diplomat, and politician known for his distinctive writing style and diverse range of themes. Neruda won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971 and remains one of the most acknowledged figures in Latin American literature.

Theme

The central theme of "Keeping Quiet" is in its very title, suggesting silence and stillness as a means to deeper connection and understanding. The poem resonates with the themes of unity, introspection, and the interconnectedness of all life. It highlights silence as an instrument to examine our lives and relationships, and to reconnect with our environment.

Poetic Devices

"Keeping Quiet" is rife with poetic devices that intensify its theme and message. The use of repetition and number symbolism (specifically the number 'twelve', a universally significant number) amplifies the call for a moment of universal stillness.

The poem also leans heavily on the use of imagery, offering vivid descriptions that draw out the quietness envisaged. The phrase 'solemnity of the sea' paints a serene picture, symbolizing vastness, depth, and mystery, much like silence.

Metaphor is another device Neruda uses profoundly. For instance, when he likens fisherman in the cold seas to 'a seal’s flippers', he is drawing attention to our similarities with other life forms, highlighting our shared existence on this world.

Figures of Speech

Neruda incorporates various figures of speech in his poem to reinforce its meaning. Personification is apparent when he assigns human traits to lifeless entities like the ‘earth's green frock’. This denotes Earth's manifold life, which we should respect and cherish. He also uses paradoxical phrases like 'exquisite moment of unity' juxtaposing the extraordinariness of unity in a world chiefly distinguished by division.

Stylistics

Stylistically, the poem stays consistent with Neruda's signature style of simple language and profound sentiment. The poem is written in free verse, reflecting the subtly persuasive tone.

 The lack of a rigid rhyming scheme adds authenticity and immediacy to the message. Neruda's use of enjambment allows a seamless flow of thought and idea, mimicking the unceasing onrush of time that he invites us to pause from.

Values

Beyond poetic techniques, the poem is pregnant with values. It propagates introspection, the underlying justification for silence and serenity. It encourages respect for all forms of life, urging us to imbibe empathy, humility, and unity. 

It discovers the necessity for worldly harmony and as depicted by the line, 'perhaps the earth can teach us', underlining the value of wisdom and learning from all sources.

Message Conveyed

"Keeping Quiet" delivers a profound message of the need for silence, tranquillity, and introspection in a whirlwind world. It evokes the beauty and sanctity of peace and implores us to contemplate our existence, our actions, and their impacts on our shared world.

In conclusion, "Keeping Quiet" by Pablo Neruda exemplifies the power of poetry as a medium of transformation. It does not demand silence for the sake of silence but invokes it as a means to an end, inviting us to pause, introspect, and appreciate the value of unity, diversity and mutual respect.

 Thus, the poem serves as a timeless reminder for readers to eschew the superficialities of life, and instead, seek deeper understanding, connection, and ultimately, tranquility.