6.5 “Balada de los dos abuelos” – Nicolás Guillén

"Balada de los dos abuelos" by Nicolás Guillén is a poem that explores the theme of memory and loss through the lens of two grandfathers. This poem is considered one of Guillén's most important works and is widely studied in AP Spanish Literature courses. In this guide, we will cover the following topics: -Background on Nicolás Guillén -Overview of "Balada de los dos abuelos" -Themes and Motifs -Literary Devices and Techniques -Analysis of Key Passages

Nicolás Guillén was born in Cuba in 1902 and is considered one of the most important writers of the 20th century. He is best known for his poems that address social and political issues, such as racism, poverty, and imperialism. Guillén's writing is rooted in the Afro-Cuban experience and often explores the connection between African heritage and the Cuban identity. He was a leading figure in the Negrista movement, which sought to promote the cultural and artistic contributions of Afro-Cubans.

"Balada de los dos abuelos" is a poem that tells the story of two grandfathers who share memories of their past. The first grandfather is a black man who remembers the days of slavery, while the second grandfather is a white man who remembers the days of Spanish rule. The poem explores the theme of memory and loss as the grandfathers recall their experiences and the events that have shaped their lives. The poem also touches on themes of race, identity, and the legacy of colonialism in Cuba.

Memory and Loss: The central theme of the poem is memory and loss, as the grandfathers recall their experiences and the events that have shaped their lives. The poem explores the idea that memory is a way of connecting to the past and preserving the heritage of those who came before us. Race and Identity: The poem also touches on the theme of race and identity, as the grandfathers reflect on their experiences as black and white people in Cuba. The poem highlights the different experiences and perspectives of the two grandfathers and the way in which race and ethnicity have shaped their lives. Legacy of Colonialism: The poem also addresses the legacy of colonialism in Cuba and the impact that Spanish rule has had on the country's history and culture. The poem explores the idea that colonialism has left a lasting impact on the lives of the people of Cuba and that the memories of these events continue to shape the country's identity.

Metaphor: Guillén uses metaphor to explore the themes of the poem, such as the idea that memories are like a river that flows through time. Personification: The poem also employs personification, giving life and agency to inanimate objects, such as the grandfathers' memories. Repetition: Guillén also uses repetition to reinforce the themes of the poem, repeating key words and phrases throughout the text. Symbolism: The poem also employs symbolism, using objects and images to represent larger ideas and themes.

"Los dos abuelos, en la sombra, / Hablan de sus cosas." (The two grandfathers, in the shadow, / Talk of their things.) This line introduces the two grandfathers and sets the stage for their conversation. The use of the word "sombra" (shadow) symbolizes the idea that their memories are rooted in the past and that they are sharing their experiences in a place where time seems to stand still.

"El abuelo negro habla / De las dias de esclavitud." (The black grandfather speaks / Of the days of slavery.) This line highlights the central theme of memory and loss, as the black grandfather recalls his experiences as a slave. The phrase "dias de esclavitud" (days of slavery) emphasizes the lasting impact that slavery has had on the grandfather's life and the way in which it continues to shape his memories.

"El abuelo blanco habla / De las dias de la colonia." (The white grandfather speaks / Of the days of colonialism.) This line highlights the legacy of colonialism in Cuba and the way in which it has shaped the lives of the people of the country. The phrase "dias de la colonia" (days of colonialism) emphasizes the lasting impact that Spanish rule has had on the country's history and culture.

"Balada de los dos abuelos" by Nicolás Guillén is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of memory and loss, race and identity, and the legacy of colonialism in Cuba. Guillén's use of literary devices and techniques, such as metaphor, personification, repetition, and symbolism, reinforces the themes of the poem and helps to convey the powerful message that the grandfathers' memories hold. This poem is an important work of Cuban literature and continues to be widely studied in AP Spanish Literature courses.