Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Headaches" by Salvadoran poet Roque Dalton serves as a contemplative discourse on the ideological journey of communism-from the revolutionary struggle to the ideal of a socialist utopia. Dalton employs the metaphor of a headache to represent the complexities, difficulties, and even disillusionments that come with committing oneself to a radical ideology. The poem also serves as a critique of capitalism and as an optimistic projection of what communism could achieve in its realized form.

Dalton begins with a paradoxical statement: "It is beautiful to be Communist, / although it causes many headaches." This line encapsulates the essence of the poem-the allure of an ideology that promises justice and equality, contrasted with the harsh realities that such a pursuit inevitably involves. The headache is "historical," implicating that the struggle is not just individual but part of a larger socio-political narrative that can only be resolved through systemic change, specifically the "accomplishment of Earth Paradise."

Dalton's view of communism is not naive; he acknowledges the sacrifices it requires. The phrase "it is the bomb" works on multiple levels-it's an expression of enthusiasm but also an admission that communism can be explosive, possibly dangerous. Under capitalism, Dalton contends, suffering is simplified and dehumanized; if you have a headache, it implies that your 'head' or individuality is expendable. In the "Revolutionary Struggle," the headache turns into "a retardation bomb," signifying that any lapse or weakness can significantly impede progress.

The phase of "Socialist Construction" is portrayed as a planning stage for these headaches, suggesting that the difficulties are expected and somewhat organized. However, this does not make them less frequent. Dalton seems to highlight that each stage of moving towards a communist society comes with its own set of challenges, yet these are considered, planned for, and faced head-on, rather than being dismissed or leading to the loss of one's 'head' as in a capitalist society.

The final lInesof the poem offer a vision of communism as "an aspirin as large as the sun," suggesting a utopian scenario where the struggles and headaches would be washed away. The aspirin metaphor captures the therapeutic vision that Dalton has for communism-a cure for societal ills, a solution to systemic problems, as pervasive and all-encompassing as the sun.

Dalton does not shy away from admitting that the path to communism is fraught with obstacles. Yet, he maintains an underlying sense of optimism. He believes that the struggle, however painful, is worth the end goal. It's a complicated love letter to an ideology-acknowledging its flaws, celebrating its potential, and confirming a commitment to its ultimate realization.

"Headaches" provokes thought on the nature of ideological commitment, the reality of societal change, and the personal and collective 'aches' that come with such a transformative endeavor. Dalton's work captures the eternal tension between the ideal and the real, offering a nuanced, critical, yet hopeful perspective on what it means to strive for a better world.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...