The poetry of Vladimir Vladimirovich Mayakovsky is a phenomenon that cannot be ignored, even if you are not a fan of futurism. His lines, chopped and energetic, burst into consciousness, making you think about the strength of the human spirit and perseverance. One of the most famous and frequently quoted, albeit short, works of the poet is a poem in the center of which is a metaphor for strength and inflexibility.
Many are looking for “nails to make Mayakov’s poem text out of these people,” wanting to refresh their memory of these powerful lines or get acquainted with them for the first time. This work is often perceived as a hymn to perseverance, but in the context of the author’s work it carries a deeper and more tragic meaning. We will look at the full text, analyze its meaning and analyze why this particular metaphor has become so popular in Russian culture.
In this article you will find not only the text itself, but also a detailed analysis of how this idea was born and why it is relevant even a century after it was written. Understanding context allows you to look at familiar lines with a completely new perspective.
Full text of the poem
The poem in question does not formally have a separate title in the title and is often published simply by the first line. It was written in 1920 and was included in the collection “150,000,000.” Below is the canonical text of the work, which should be read with the intonation characteristic of the author.
These people would make nails:
There couldn't be any stronger nails in the world.
These are just two lines, but they contain a colossal charge of energy. Brevity here acts not as a disadvantage, but as a powerful artistic device. Mayakovsky, master laconism in his slogans, he was able to express in two phrases a whole philosophy of human endurance.
Text Variation
In some sources you can find an option with a continuation or change in word order, but this particular couplet, published in the Izvestia newspaper in 1920, is considered canonical.
It is worth noting that in different editions of collected works, punctuation may differ slightly, but the essence remains unchanged. This work is often called the shortest masterpiece Soviet poetry, although the poet himself probably did not put such a grandiose meaning into it, viewing it rather as a successful metaphor within the text or propaganda.
History of creation and context 1920
To understand the depth of these lines, it is necessary to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the time when they were written. 1920 is the height of the Civil War, a time of devastation, hunger and incredible tension of all the forces of the people. In such conditions, people were needed not just strong, but unbending.
During this period, Mayakovsky was actively involved in campaigning, writing slogans for “Windows of GROWTH”. He needed images that were understandable to every worker and peasant. The metaphor of a nail is simple, everyday, but absolutely accurate. The nail holds the structure, the nail is driven in, it takes blows, but remains intact.
- 🔨 Everyday metaphor: Using a simple object to represent complex human qualities.
- 🔥 Era of Challenges: A time when physical and moral strength were valued above all else.
- 📜 Propaganda genre: The poem was created as part of a propaganda work that required brevity.
During this period, the poet creates the image of a “new man”. This is not a sophisticated intellectual of the Silver Age, but a man of action, labor and struggle. It is from such people, according to the author, that nails should be made to hold together a collapsing country.
Metaphor analysis: why nails?
The choice of the image of a nail to characterize a person is not accidental. In Mayakovsky’s system of images, metal, (machine) and industrial elements occupy a central place. A nail is the essence of utility, hardness and functionality.
When we say “we should make nails out of these people,” we mean that ordinary people are too soft, subject to passions, fears and doubts. The ideal nail man lacks these weaknesses. He functional and reliable. However, there is also a certain tragedy hidden in this: turning a person into a tool deprives him of his humanity.
Let's look at the key aspects of this metaphor:
- Hardness: The ability to withstand the blows of fate without destruction.
- Usefulness: A nail is needed to hold, fasten, build.
- Disposability: The nail is often used once, hammered in, and remains in the wall. This is a hint of sacrifice.
⚠️ Attention: This metaphor should not be taken solely in a positive way. The transformation of a person into a thing (a nail) is also a critique of depersonalization, the dissolution of the individual in a collective matter.
Comparative table of images in Mayakovsky's poetry
To better understand the place of this poem in the poet’s work, it is useful to compare the image of the “nail man” with other key images of his lyrics. Mayakovsky often operated with contrasts between the living and the mechanical.
| Image | Work/Context | Characteristics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nail Man | Poem 1920 | Sturdy, reliable, functional | The Ideal of Resilience in an Age of Change |
| Cloud Man | "Cloud in Pants" | Light, soaring, emotional | Symbol of a free but vulnerable soul |
| Man-machine | Production lyrics | Precise, emotionless, rhythmic | Celebrating industrialization and labor |
| Extra person | Early lyrics | Lonely, misunderstood, rebel | Conflict between personality and society |
As can be seen from the table, the image of a nail stands apart. If the “cloud” is about feelings, then the “nail” is about action and results. This is a transition from romantic rebellion to constructive, albeit tough, construction of a new life.
When analyzing Mayakovsky's poetry, pay attention to the year the work was written. Early Mayakovsky (before 1917) and late (Soviet period) are often two different poets with different value systems.
The poem's influence on culture
The phrase “Nails should be made of these people” became a catchphrase long before many understood its original context. It is included in textbooks, quoted in the speeches of politicians and used in ordinary speech when they want to emphasize someone’s steadfastness.
In Soviet times, these lines were often used to glorify heroes of labor and war. The image of a man who is “stronger than steel” fits perfectly into the framework of socialist realism. However, modern researchers also see existential horror in this: the desire to turn living flesh into cold metal.
Interestingly, this metaphor survived Soviet ideology itself. Today it is used in completely different contexts:
- 💪 In sports: to motivate athletes to overcome pain.
- 🏗️ In business: as a symbol of the reliability of employees or partners.
- 🎭 In theater and cinema: as a quote characterizing an era or character.
⚠️ Warning: When using this quote in public speaking, be aware of the dual meaning. For some it is a compliment to strength, but for others it is a hint of callousness.
Reading and recitation technique
Mayakovsky wrote his poems “for the ear.” They are designed to be read loudly, almost to be shouted from the podium. To read these two lines correctly, it is not enough to simply pronounce the words. Need a special one intonation ladder, characteristic of the poet.
The first line, “Nails should be made of these people,” should be read with increasing tension, placing emphasis on the word “nails.” The second line, “Nails could not be stronger in the world,” is pronounced as a statement, as a sentence, or as a statement of an indisputable fact. The pause between lines should be minimal, but significant.
☑️ How to read Mayakovsky correctly
Don't be afraid to seem too loud or abrupt. In Mayakovsky's poetry emotional breakdown more important than melody. This is the poetry of a city, a factory, a rally, and not a quiet salon.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is “Nails to Make of These People” a separate poem?
Formally it is a couplet, often published as a separate work, but it was originally part of the poet's larger texts or campaign materials in 1920.
What does the word “futurism” mean in the context of Mayakovsky?
Futurism is an avant-garde art movement that celebrates the future, technology, speed and urbanism. Mayakovsky was one of the leaders of Russian futurism, which was reflected in his shocking antics and innovative form of poetry.
Where can I find the original manuscript?
The original manuscripts and lifetime editions of Mayakovsky's works are kept in the State Literary Museum in Moscow and in the Pushkin House in St. Petersburg. Digital copies are available in library digital archives.
Why did Mayakovsky use such simple words?
The poet sought to make art understandable to the masses. He believed that poetry should be a weapon in the hands of the proletariat, and for this the language should be simple, chopped and accessible, like a slogan on a poster.
The poem “We should make nails out of these people” is a concentrate of an era where human life was assessed by its ability to withstand colossal loads and serve a common goal.