separar a alma: to dissever the soul
Dictionary of Poetic Terms: Portuguese-English
By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva
The phrase "separar a alma" in Brazilian Portuguese is quite a poetic and metaphorical expression. It is translated by "to separate the soul" or "to dissever the soul" in English. While it might seem straightforward at first glance, the phrase carries deep emotional and symbolic weight, often used in literature, music, or poetry to convey an intense sense of loss, despair, or inner turmoil. The phrase "separar a alma" evokes the image of a deep, almost irreparable divide within one's spirit or sense of self.
Understanding "Separar a Alma":
The verb "separar" means "to separate" or "to split," and "alma" refers to the soul or spirit. When combined, "separar a alma" goes beyond the mere physical act of dividing. It symbolizes the disintegration of the inner self or the alienation of one's spiritual essence. The expression is not typically used in everyday conversation but appears in more profound or artistic contexts, such as in literature, where it often connotes a rift between the body and the soul, a deep emotional or existential crisis, or the loss of one's sense of purpose and unity.
The English translation "to dissever the soul" preserves the original meaning but adds a slightly more formal, archaic touch. The word "dissever" carries connotations of violently or painfully severing a bond, suggesting not just a separation but a rupture. This translation emphasizes the emotional and physical devastation that comes with this kind of spiritual disconnection. It’s an evocative, heavy phrase, which fits well in poetic or literary contexts.
Poetic Examples of "Separar a Alma":
Let’s now look at how the phrase "separar a alma" might be used in poetic or literary contexts, along with their English translations. These examples will help us understand how the phrase functions in Brazilian Portuguese and how its emotional weight is conveyed in English.
"Ela sentiu como se o mundo fosse separar a alma dela, deixando-a vazia e sem direção."
"She felt as though the world were about to dissever her soul, leaving her empty and directionless."
"A dor da saudade, o tempo longe de você, parecia separar minha alma do meu corpo, uma agonia constante."
"The pain of longing, the time away from you, seemed to dissever my soul from my body, a constant agony."
"Em seu coração, ele sabia que a guerra iria separar a alma dos homens, deixando-os irreparáveis."
"In his heart, he knew that war would separate the soul of men by leaving them irreparable."
"O amor perdido tem o poder de separar a alma, criando um abismo profundo entre o ser e o que um dia foi."
"Lost love has the power to separate the soul, creating a deep chasm between the being and what once was."
"Ele estava tão quebrado que sentia que cada palavra dita para ele era capaz de separar sua alma em pedaços menores."
"He was so broken that he felt each word spoken to him could dissever his soul into smaller pieces."
Poetic and Literary Contexts:
In literature and poetry, the phrase "separar a alma" can be used in various ways to evoke deep emotional or spiritual experiences. The metaphor of separating the soul suggests a rift in one’s very being, often representing trauma, existential crisis, or the feeling of being disconnected from one’s true self. The soul, in this context, is not just a religious or spiritual concept; it is tied to one’s identity, emotions, and understanding of the world. To separate the soul is to cause an irreversible transformation in a person’s internal world.
In Brazilian literature, poetry, and music, phrases like "separar a alma" are often used to explore themes of love, loss, identity, and existential doubt. For example, "separar a alma" might describe the aftermath of a broken relationship, the feeling of being torn between two places or choices, or the emotional disintegration following a traumatic event. It conveys the sense that the person is no longer whole or unified with themselves, experiencing a profound disconnect from their inner self.
English Poetic Equivalents:
In English poetry, there are many ways to express the idea of spiritual or emotional separation, but "to dissever the soul" remains a strong and vivid translation of "separar a alma". It carries a sense of irreversible damage or division, much like the original phrase in Portuguese.
Other ways of saying "separar a alma" in English: to tear the soul apart, to separate the soul
Each of these expressions shares the same underlying idea of deep emotional or spiritual damage, but "dissever" has a slightly more formal and ancient connotation, making it especially suited for poetic or literary contexts.
In conclusion, "separar a alma" in Brazilian Portuguese can be translated as "to dissever the soul" in English, carrying a sense of emotional rupture and profound disconnection. This phrase is deeply metaphorical and poetic, often used in literature and poetry to describe intense emotional states, such as despair, loss, or existential crisis. The imagery of the soul being separated highlights the fragility of the human spirit and the pain of being torn apart internally. The translation "dissever the soul" effectively captures this depth, offering a powerful and evocative way to describe the emotional and spiritual devastation that certain experiences can bring.
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.