Monoblock
Sui Generis
The Solitary Poet: A Tale of Isolation and Disillusionment
Sui Generis' song 'Monoblock' tells the poignant story of a poet living in isolation in the top floor of a monoblock, a type of high-rise apartment building common in Argentina. The poet's life is characterized by a deep connection to the past and a sense of detachment from the modern world. He sings about timeless things, like the moon before the famous Apollo missions, symbolizing a longing for a simpler, untainted past. This nostalgia is a central theme, highlighting his resistance to the changes and advancements of contemporary society.
The poet's lifestyle is unconventional; he avoids typical social activities like going to the cinema on Saturday nights and instead sleeps through Monday, embodying the stereotype of the reclusive artist. His life is further illustrated by his interactions with Josefina, who washes his clothes while whistling to Piazzolla, a nod to the famous Argentine composer, and invents sins for María, perhaps a metaphor for the mundane and trivial concerns of everyday life. These details paint a picture of a man who is out of sync with the world around him, living in a bubble of his own creation.
The climax of the song comes when the poet, tired of his isolated existence, decides to leave his apartment and go for a walk. Tragically, he is found crucified the next morning, a powerful and shocking image that suggests a profound sense of disillusionment and sacrifice. This ending can be interpreted as a commentary on the struggles of maintaining one's artistic integrity and individuality in a conformist society. The poet's crucifixion under the sun symbolizes the ultimate price he pays for his nonconformity and his refusal to adapt to the modern world.