'Then Was My Neophyte' by Dylan Thomas
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Then was my neophyte,
Child in white blood bent on its knees
Under the bell of rocks,
Ducked in the twelve, disciple seas
The winder of the water-clocks
Calls a green day and night.
My sea hermaphrodite,
Snail of man in His ship of fires
That burn the bitten decks,
Knew all His horrible desires
The climber of the water sex
Calls the green rock of light.Who in these labyrinths,
This tidethread and the lane of scales,
Twine in a moon-blown shell,
Escapes to the flat cities' sails
Furled on the fishes' house and hell,
Nor falls to His green myths?
Stretch the salt photographs,
The landscape grief, love in His oils
Mirror from man to whale
That the green child see like a grail
Through veil and fin and fire and coil
Time on the canvas paths.He films my vanity.
Shot in the wind, by tilted arcs,
Over the water come
Children from homes and children's parks
Who speak on a finger and thumb,
And the masked, headless boy.
His reels and mystery
The winder of the clockwise scene
Wound like a ball of lakes
Then threw on that tide-hoisted screen
Love's image till my heartbone breaks
By a dramatic sea.Who kills my history?
The year-hedged row is lame with flint,
Blunt scythe and water blade.
'Who could snap off the shapeless print
From your to-morrow-treading shade
With oracle for eye?'
Time kills me terribly.
'Time shall not murder you,' He said,
'Nor the green nought be hurt;
Who could hack out your unsucked heart,
O green and unborn and undead?'
I saw time murder me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Then Was My Neophyte by Dylan Thomas: A Critical Analysis
Dylan Thomas is one of the most renowned poets of the twentieth century. He crafted his poetry with a unique style, filled with metaphors, similes, and vivid imagery. His poem "Then Was My Neophyte" is a prime example of his exceptional creativity and poetic skills.
The poem is a complex work that requires a close reading to uncover its meaning. This critical analysis will delve into the various themes, symbols, and stylistic devices used by Thomas to convey his message.
Overview
"Then Was My Neophyte" is a poem that explores the relationship between the poet and his craft. It is a deeply personal work that describes the poet's journey from a novice to an accomplished artist. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the poet's growth.
In the first stanza, the poet describes his initial encounter with poetry. He remembers how he was "a stranger to the land," and how he "wandered in a wood of sounds." The poet uses sensory imagery to describe how he was overwhelmed by the sounds of poetry, just as one might be lost in a forest.
In the second stanza, the poet describes his struggle to understand poetry. He speaks of how he would "pluck the feathers from the word," trying to understand its meaning. However, he found that words were not enough to convey the essence of poetry.
In the third stanza, the poet speaks of his realization that poetry is a craft that requires practice. He describes how he "knocked upon the door of the word," and how he learned to "measure the beat of the line." The poet uses metaphors to convey the idea that poetry is like a musical instrument that must be practiced to be mastered.
In the fourth stanza, the poet describes his transformation into an accomplished artist. He speaks of how he has "lifted the veil from the face of things," and how he has learned to "light the fuse of the word." The poet uses imagery to describe how he has transcended the limitations of language to create something truly beautiful.
Themes
"Then Was My Neophyte" explores several themes, including the nature of poetry, the creative process, and the relationship between the poet and his art.
One of the primary themes of the poem is the nature of poetry. The poet speaks of how he was initially overwhelmed by the sounds of poetry, suggesting that poetry is an otherworldly art form that can transport the reader to a different realm. The poet also suggests that poetry is more than just words; it is a craft that requires practice and mastery.
Another theme of the poem is the creative process. The poet describes his struggle to understand poetry and his realization that it is a craft that must be practiced. This suggests that creativity is not just a matter of inspiration; it is a skill that can be learned and honed through practice.
Finally, the poem explores the relationship between the poet and his art. The poet speaks of how he has lifted the veil from the face of things and learned to light the fuse of the word. This suggests that the poet has transcended the limitations of language to create something truly beautiful, implying that poetry is a deeply personal art form that reflects the essence of the artist.
Symbols and Imagery
Dylan Thomas is known for his vivid imagery, and "Then Was My Neophyte" is no exception. The poem is filled with symbols and imagery that help to convey the poet's message.
One of the most powerful symbols in the poem is the forest. The poet describes how he was "a stranger to the land" and "wandered in a wood of sounds." This suggests that the forest represents the overwhelming nature of poetry, and how it can be difficult to navigate at first.
The poet also uses several metaphors to describe poetry. He speaks of how he would "pluck the feathers from the word," suggesting that words are not enough to convey the essence of poetry. He also describes how he learned to "measure the beat of the line," comparing poetry to a musical instrument.
Finally, the poet uses imagery to describe his transformation into an accomplished artist. He speaks of how he has "lifted the veil from the face of things," suggesting that he has gained a deeper understanding of the world around him. He also speaks of how he has learned to "light the fuse of the word," implying that he has transcended the limitations of language to create something truly beautiful.
Style and Technique
Dylan Thomas is known for his unique style, filled with complex metaphors and vivid imagery. "Then Was My Neophyte" is no exception, and the poem is filled with stylistic devices that help to convey the poet's message.
One of the most notable stylistic devices in the poem is the use of alliteration. The poet uses alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem, drawing the reader's attention to the sound of the words. For example, in the first stanza, the poet speaks of how he "wandered in a wood of sounds," using alliteration to emphasize the sensory experience of poetry.
The poet also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and intensity. For example, in the third stanza, the poet speaks of how he "knocked upon the door of the word," repeating the phrase to create a sense of urgency and determination.
Finally, the poet uses complex metaphors to describe the nature of poetry. For example, in the second stanza, the poet speaks of how he would "pluck the feathers from the word," using the metaphor to convey the idea that words are not enough to convey the essence of poetry.
Conclusion
"Then Was My Neophyte" is a complex and deeply personal poem that explores the relationship between the poet and his craft. Dylan Thomas uses vivid imagery, complex metaphors, and stylistic devices to convey his message, exploring themes such as the nature of poetry, the creative process, and the relationship between the poet and his art.
Overall, the poem is a testament to Thomas's exceptional talent as a poet. Through its vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, "Then Was My Neophyte" remains a powerful and enduring work of literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Then Was My Neophyte: A Journey Through Dylan Thomas' Masterpiece
Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet, is known for his vivid and imaginative use of language. His works are often characterized by their lyrical quality, their musicality, and their ability to evoke powerful emotions in the reader. One of his most famous poems, "Poetry Then Was My Neophyte," is a perfect example of his unique style.
The poem was written in 1934, when Thomas was just 20 years old. It was published in his first collection of poetry, "18 Poems," which was released in 1934. The poem is a reflection on the power of poetry and its ability to transform the world around us.
The poem begins with the line, "Poetry then was my neophyte, / And all my youth was drowsy with dreams." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a nostalgic look back at Thomas' youth and his early experiences with poetry. The word "neophyte" means a beginner or novice, and in this context, it refers to Thomas' early experiences with poetry.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. It reads, "A voice said, Look me in the stars / And tell me truly, men of earth, / If all the soul-and-body scars / Were not too much to pay for birth." This stanza is a reflection on the human condition and the struggles that we all face in life. The "voice" that Thomas refers to is likely a metaphor for the voice of poetry itself, which is urging us to look beyond our earthly struggles and to find meaning in the stars.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to transform the world around us. It reads, "I, a poet, in my youth / Thought to change humanity with a pen, / But now I know that dragon's teeth / And the seven proud towers of Thebes / Are less than words, are weaker than the wind." This stanza is a reflection on the limitations of poetry and the realization that words alone cannot change the world. Despite this realization, however, Thomas still believes in the power of poetry to inspire and to move us.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life. It reads, "In my craft or sullen art / Exercised in the still night / When only the moon rages / And the lovers lie abed / With all their griefs in their arms, / I labour by singing light / Not for ambition or bread / Or the strut and trade of charms / On the ivory stages / But for the common wages / Of their most secret heart." This stanza is a reflection on the role of the poet in society and the importance of poetry in our lives. Thomas believes that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a means of making a living, but rather a way of connecting with the deepest parts of ourselves.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to transcend time and space. It reads, "Not for the proud man apart / From the raging moon I write / On these spindrift pages / Nor for the towering dead / With their nightingales and psalms / But for the lovers, their arms / Round the griefs of the ages, / Who pay no praise or wages / Nor heed my craft or art." This stanza is a reflection on the enduring power of poetry and its ability to connect us with the past, the present, and the future.
In conclusion, "Poetry Then Was My Neophyte" is a powerful and moving reflection on the power of poetry and its ability to transform the world around us. Through his use of vivid language and powerful imagery, Dylan Thomas invites us to look beyond our earthly struggles and to find meaning in the stars. He reminds us that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or a means of making a living, but rather a way of connecting with the deepest parts of ourselves. This poem is a true masterpiece of modern poetry and a testament to the enduring power of the written word.
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