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 The metaphor of waves
are at times two waves in an ocean suggests
that the pair of human
and night is an ocean.
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 The metaphor of two stones
are at times two stones in a desert suggests that
and night is a desert. 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
 The metaphor of two
roots suggests a close
relationship that is
rooted in an
Two bodies face to face unsupportive and
are at times two roots uncaring universe.
laced into the night.  In this circumstance
the only emotional
support possible is that
which one human
being gives another.
 Knives - sparks

The metaphor of knives

that “strike sparks”
Two bodies face to face suggests that the
couple’s relationship is
are at times two knives “at times”
and night strikes sparks. confrontational.
 Stars – empty sky
 The metaphor of two stars
suggests that the couple
possesses beauty,
Two bodies face to face brilliance, and vitality, all of
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.