Meaning: The quote "For my part, if I consider poetry as an object, I maintain that it is born of the necessity of adding a vocal sound (speech) to the hammering of the first tribal music" by Eugenio Montale, a renowned Italian poet, reflects the idea of the origins of poetry and its connection to the primal human experience of music and speech. In this quote, Montale suggests that poetry emerges from the fundamental human impulse to combine vocal expression with rhythmic elements, echoing the ancient traditions of tribal music and oral storytelling.

Montale's assertion that poetry is born from the need to add vocal sound to the "hammering of the first tribal music" underscores the close relationship between poetry, music, and oral tradition. The "first tribal music" evokes the primal, communal nature of early human music-making, which likely involved rhythmic percussion and vocalizations. Montale's reference to "adding a vocal sound (speech)" implies that poetry arises from the fusion of musical rhythms with the expressive power of spoken language. This fusion reflects the idea that poetry is rooted in the convergence of sound, meaning, and rhythm, echoing the ancient origins of human communication and artistic expression.

Furthermore, Montale's perspective on poetry as an object emphasizes the tangible and material dimensions of this art form. By framing poetry as an "object," he invites us to consider it as a concrete and palpable creation, distinct from the abstract realm of ideas and emotions. This characterization of poetry as an object suggests that it possesses a physical presence and substance, embodying the fusion of sound and language that Montale describes. In this sense, poetry becomes a tangible artifact that encapsulates the essence of human experience and creativity.

Montale's quote also prompts us to contemplate the evolutionary and cultural significance of poetry within the broader context of human artistic expression. By tracing the origins of poetry to the communal rituals and traditions of early human societies, he highlights its deep-seated connection to the collective experiences and narratives of humanity. Poetry, in Montale's view, emerges as a product of the human impulse to create meaning and beauty through rhythmic, expressive language—a timeless endeavor that transcends cultural boundaries and historical epochs.

In conclusion, Eugenio Montale's quote offers a thought-provoking perspective on the origins and nature of poetry, emphasizing its intrinsic link to the primal human experiences of music, speech, and communal expression. By portraying poetry as an object that arises from the fusion of vocal sound and rhythmic elements, Montale invites us to consider the tangible and cultural dimensions of this art form. Ultimately, his words remind us of the enduring power of poetry as a medium for capturing the essence of human existence and creativity across time and space.