Pinochet was a Chilean dictator that ruled the country for many years. He overthrew the government in 1973 and was the ruler until 1998. Neruda passed away September 23rd, he was 69 years old. It was thought that he may have passed due to cancer but many were suspicious that he was killed by Pinochet's military. The poetic voice of the poem is confusing to understand. It is very clear that it is not in first person but there is a narrator type tone that tells the story about the Standard oil company and the United fruit company. The flies in the poem are describing the people of the United fruit company. The act as an example of the exploitation the people face in the company. According to the poetic voice, the Standard oil company used bad actions to get what they want. They killed, stole, and lied to get what they want.