The Guitar

Throughout the poem, the weeping is incessant, almost reminiscent of the wailing from professional mourners during times of grief. Towards the end of the poem, Lorca finally poses a potential reason for the incessant weeping of the guitar. He writes, “It weeps for distant/things” (Lines 17-18), implying those things that are out of reach or difficult to obtain. He provides an example with “Hot southern sands/yearning for white camellias” (Lines 19-20). The dryness of the lands thirst for a flower that is known for its hydration demands. The southern part of Spain longs for flowers native to southern Asia. The geographic distance is massive, a challenge to overcome. A relationship between the two opposites is not likely to work, which would perpetuate the weeping. Lorca continues with pairs to show other types of longing, including how the arrow weeps “without target” (Line 21). If an arrow has no target, it has no direction, no end goal to achieve. The arrow’s entire purpose would be shattered without a target. This line contains the longing that comes with missing something essential. An additional line of desire in “evening without morning” (Line 22) shows two opposites once again, but this time the opposites are part of one continuous cycle.