morte da luz: dying of the light

Dictionary of Poetic Terms: Portuguese-English 

 

By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva 

 

The phrase “morte da luz” in Brazilian Portuguese can be translated into English as "dying of the light." This phrase carries a deeply poetic and often somber connotation, symbolizing the gradual fading or extinguishing of light, which in turn can represent the end of a period of time, the decline of hope, or even the approach of death. "Morte" means "death" or "dying," and "luz" translates to "light," so when combined, "morte da luz" conveys the idea of light waning or the slow extinguishment of illumination.

 

This metaphor can be applied in various contexts, from the literal dying of natural light at the end of the day to more profound symbolic meanings related to personal struggles, fading emotions, or the passage of time. In literature and poetry, the image of light fading or dying often carries layers of meaning, referring not only to physical darkness but also to emotional, spiritual, or existential decline.

 

Poetic Significance of "Morte da Luz"

 

In poetry, "morte da luz" frequently serves as a metaphor for the end of something—whether it's the end of a day, a relationship, or a phase in life. It can also symbolize the quiet and inevitable passage into the unknown, where light (often associated with life, clarity, and hope) gives way to darkness (associated with death, mystery, or sorrow). The phrase creates a powerful imagery of something precious fading away, and it evokes feelings of sadness, nostalgia, or reflection.

 

Let’s explore some poetic examples using "morte da luz" in Brazilian Portuguese, along with their English translations. These examples showcase how the phrase is used to evoke both literal and metaphorical meanings.

 

"Ao olhar para o horizonte, vejo a morte da luz, e com ela, a tristeza de saber que o dia se vai, levando consigo todos os meus sonhos."

"As I look to the horizon, I see the dying of the light, and with it, the sadness of knowing that the day is leaving, taking all my dreams with it."

 

"Na morte da luz, encontrei a paz que tanto procurava, como se a escuridão fosse a resposta para tudo o que me atormentava."

"In the dying of the light, I found the peace I had been searching for, as if the darkness were the answer to all that tormented me."

 

"Quando a morte da luz chegou, não havia mais palavras, apenas um silêncio profundo que tomou conta de tudo."

"When the dying of the light came, there were no more words, just a profound silence that took over everything."

 

"A morte da luz não era o fim, mas o começo de uma jornada desconhecida, onde a escuridão seria a guia."

"The dying of the light was not the end, but the beginning of an unknown journey, where darkness would be the guide."

 

"Ao entardecer, com a morte da luz, as lembranças de um tempo passado voltavam, mais nítidas do que nunca, como se a noite trouxesse à tona o que estava adormecido."

"At sunset, with the dying of the light, memories of a past time returned, sharper than ever, as if the night brought to the surface what had been dormant."

 

The Metaphorical Depth of "Morte da Luz"

 

The phrase "morte da luz" is especially powerful when used to symbolize not just the literal end of daylight but also the metaphorical passing of an era, an emotion, or a moment in life. Light, often associated with life, clarity, and awareness, contrasts sharply with darkness, which can represent death, confusion, or the unknown. The transition between the two—whether it be the end of the day or the end of a particular emotional state—can be portrayed as a "dying of the light," making the phrase a poignant and versatile tool for poets and writers.

 

Other ways of saying "morte da luz" in English: the last gleam, waning of the light, the final gleam, 

 

The poetic imagery of "morte da luz" allows for reflection on the inevitable cycles of life, where moments of brilliance, hope, and clarity fade over time, only to be replaced by shadows, rest, or mystery. In this way, the phrase reminds us of the impermanence of all things and invites contemplation of what is lost as well as what may come next.

 

In both literal and figurative senses, "morte da luz" is a rich expression that encapsulates the poignant and bittersweet nature of endings, offering a profound space for reflection, sadness, and even acceptance of the inevitable passage of time.

 

Bibliographic References 

 

Lennard, J. (2005). The Poetry Handbook. Oxford University Press.

 

This book provides an introduction to the study of poetry, covering terms and concepts commonly used in the analysis of poems. It offers clear explanations of poetic devices, meter, rhyme, and forms of poetry.

 

Preminger, A., Brogan, T. V. F., & McCaffery, L. (Eds.). (2012). The Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics. Princeton University Press.

 

A comprehensive reference work that covers a wide range of poetic terms, forms, styles, and the history of poetics. It’s an essential resource for anyone wanting to explore the lexicon of poetry and poetic theory.

 

Biespiel, D. (2012). The Elements of Poetry. Free Press.

 

This book takes a close look at the fundamental elements of poetry, such as rhythm, diction, and metaphor. It’s a great guide for understanding how poets craft language and meaning.

 

Oliver, M. (1994). A Poetry Handbook. Harcourt Brace.

 

In this book, Mary Oliver explores the technical aspects of poetry, such as line breaks, meter, and sound. It’s both an instruction manual and a reflective guide for writers and readers alike.

 

Baldick, C. (2008). The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms (3rd ed.). Oxford University Press.

 

A useful resource for quick reference of literary terms, including a large number of entries related to poetic forms, techniques, and styles. This dictionary covers a broad range of literary terminology in accessible language.

 

Perloff, M., & Dworkin, C. (2009). The Sound of Poetry / The Poetry of Sound. University of Chicago Press.

 

A fascinating exploration of how sound and form interact in poetry. It includes discussion of meter, rhyme, and rhythm as well as avant-garde experiments with sound in modern poetry.

 

Fraser, G. S. (1977). Poetic Forms. Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

 

A classic book on the different poetic forms, from sonnets to free verse. Fraser discusses the technicalities of verse and the various structures poets can use.

 

Gwynn, R. S. (2015). Poetry: A Pocket Anthology (5th ed.). Pearson.

 

This is a widely used anthology that includes a variety of poetic works along with an introduction to poetic terms and devices. It’s an excellent primer for students new to the study of poetry.

 

Ferguson, M., Galpern, M., & Standish, J. (2005). The Norton Anthology of Poetry (Shorter 5th ed.). W.W. Norton & Company.

 

A highly respected anthology that includes works from classical to modern poets. The anthology features explanations of poetic terms and styles, making it an excellent resource for understanding how these terms are applied in real poems.

 

Perloff, M. (Ed.). (2007). The Cambridge Companion to Modernist Poetry. Cambridge University Press.

 

This book discusses the technical innovations in poetry that came with modernism. It includes analysis of sound, form, and the rejection of traditional poetic rules, providing valuable insights into the evolution of poetic devices.