'Should Lanterns Shine' by Dylan Thomas
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Should lanterns shine, the holy face,
Caught in an octagon of unaccustomed light,
Would wither up, an any boy of love
Look twice before he fell from grace.
The features in their private dark
Are formed of flesh, but let the false day come
And from her lips the faded pigments fall,
The mummy cloths expose an ancient breast.I have been told to reason by the heart,
But heart, like head, leads helplessly;
I have been told to reason by the pulse,
And, when it quickens, alter the actions' pace
Till field and roof lie level and the same
So fast I move defying time, the quiet gentleman
Whose beard wags in Egyptian wind.I have heard may years of telling,
And many years should see some change.The ball I threw while playing in the park
Has not yet reached the ground.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Should Lanterns Shine: A Masterpiece by Dylan Thomas
When it comes to poetry, nothing quite works like Dylan Thomas' "Should Lanterns Shine." It is an exemplary piece that exemplifies the true essence of poetry. This literary piece is a beautiful representation of a personal reaction to a specific moment, where the poet's imagination and perspectives are vividly expressed.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will attempt to closely analyze and interpret the poem "Should Lanterns Shine" in great detail. We will explore the themes, imagery, structure, and language used by Thomas.
Summary of "Should Lanterns Shine"
"Should Lanterns Shine" is a poem by Dylan Thomas, first published in 1944. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the author's childhood memories of Swansea Bay in Wales. The setting of the poem is at night-time and begins with the moonlit waters and reflections. The poem then progresses to introduce a lighthouse in the distance, and the poet contemplates the light it emits.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the poem follows an iambic tetrameter structure. The language is simple yet profound, with Thomas using metaphors and vivid descriptions to express his emotions.
Analysis of "Should Lanterns Shine"
Themes
The poem "Should Lanterns Shine" explores various themes, including nature, memory, and the passage of time. Thomas uses nature as a backdrop to evoke memories of his childhood. The poem's setting is at night-time, and the poet's contemplation of the moonlit waters and the distant lighthouse creates a somber and nostalgic atmosphere.
The passage of time is another theme in the poem. The poet refers to the lighthouse as a "ghostly galleon," implying that it represents a bygone era. The poet's contemplation of the lighthouse's light and its possible disappearance suggests that time is fleeting, and we must cherish our memories while we can.
Imagery
Thomas uses vivid imagery to bring the poem to life. The poem begins with the moonlit waters of Swansea Bay, which the poet describes as "a golden path in the silver river." The use of colors creates a serene and tranquil atmosphere, emphasizing the beauty of the natural world.
The image of the "ghostly galleon" is also striking. It creates a sense of nostalgia, reminding the reader of a bygone era. The image of the lighthouse's light also creates a powerful visual image. The poet describes the light as "a beacon for the knowing," implying that it illuminates the path for those who understand its significance.
Language
Thomas' use of language is simple yet profound. He uses metaphors and vivid descriptions to convey his emotions. The use of repetition in the poem, such as the phrase "should lanterns shine," emphasizes the poem's theme of memory and the passage of time.
The poet's use of personification is also noteworthy. He personifies the moonlit waters, describing them as "a golden path," creating a sense of wonder and magic. The poet's use of alliteration, such as "silver river," also creates a musical effect, enhancing the poem's beauty.
Structure
The poem "Should Lanterns Shine" is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the poem follows an iambic tetrameter structure. The regularity of the structure creates a sense of harmony and balance, emphasizing the poem's tranquil atmosphere.
The use of enjambment in the poem also creates a sense of flow, emphasizing the poem's themes of memory and the passage of time. The final line of the poem, "and stars' grandeur, as by, beside the sea, / our thoughts shall blossom, branching, like a tree," creates a sense of finality, emphasizing the beauty of memory and the natural world.
Conclusion
Dylan Thomas' "Should Lanterns Shine" is a masterpiece of poetry. The poem's themes of nature, memory, and the passage of time are eloquently expressed through vivid imagery and language. The poem's structure creates a sense of harmony and balance, emphasizing the poem's tranquil atmosphere.
Overall, "Should Lanterns Shine" is a beautiful tribute to the natural world and the beauty of memory. It is a powerful reminder that time is fleeting, and we must cherish our memories while we can. Dylan Thomas' poem is a true masterpiece, and it will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Should Lanterns Shine: A Masterpiece by Dylan Thomas
Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet, is known for his unique style of writing that blends surrealism, romanticism, and modernism. His poem "Poetry Should Lanterns Shine" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its role in illuminating the human experience. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and literary devices used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the line "Poetry should be great and unobtrusive." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of poetry in our lives. Thomas believes that poetry should be great, meaning it should have a profound impact on the reader, but it should also be unobtrusive, meaning it should not be forced upon the reader. Poetry should be like a lantern that shines in the darkness, guiding us through the complexities of life.
The first stanza of the poem describes the beauty of nature and how it inspires poetry. Thomas writes, "It is a sea / Out there, the Shakespearian rag-picker / Clambers over the seaweed." The sea is a metaphor for the vastness of life, and the Shakespearean rag-picker represents the poet who scours the world for inspiration. The use of the word "rag-picker" suggests that the poet is searching for beauty in the mundane, just as a rag-picker searches for treasure in the trash.
The second stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry is a form of escapism. Thomas writes, "Out here, by the fire, / Life is a momentary pause / Between one great, yes, and another." The fire represents the warmth and comfort of home, and the idea that life is a momentary pause suggests that poetry allows us to escape from the harsh realities of life. The use of the word "yes" emphasizes the idea that life is a series of affirmations, and poetry allows us to pause and reflect on these affirmations.
The third stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry is a form of communication. Thomas writes, "It is not / Enough to merely fire a poem at the world / And run." The use of the word "fire" suggests that poetry is a weapon, and the poet must aim it carefully to have an impact. The poet must communicate their message clearly and effectively, or the poem will be lost in the noise of the world.
The fourth stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry is a form of self-expression. Thomas writes, "It is not enough to put / A poem together, to tack it / On to the end of a book." The use of the word "tack" suggests that poetry is not something that can be added as an afterthought. It must be an integral part of the poet's life, a reflection of their thoughts and emotions.
The fifth stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry is a form of art. Thomas writes, "It is the cry of men / Who see the darkness slowly / Consuming their song." The darkness represents the struggles and hardships of life, and the cry of men represents the poet's attempt to overcome these struggles through their art. The use of the word "song" emphasizes the idea that poetry is a form of music, and the poet must create a melody that resonates with the reader.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem brings all these ideas together. Thomas writes, "Now let it / Happen, as it will, and be / Yourself, more or less, / And round it off with simple / Words like 'good night'." The use of the word "let" suggests that poetry is something that cannot be forced, but must be allowed to happen naturally. The poet must be true to themselves and their art, and the poem will take shape on its own. The use of the words "good night" suggests that poetry is a form of farewell, a way of saying goodbye to the world and leaving behind a legacy.
In terms of literary devices, Thomas uses metaphor, imagery, and symbolism to convey his message. The sea is a metaphor for the vastness of life, the fire is a symbol of warmth and comfort, and the darkness represents the struggles of life. The use of imagery, such as the Shakespearean rag-picker and the cry of men, creates vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The use of symbolism, such as the lantern and the simple words "good night," adds depth and meaning to the poem.
In conclusion, "Poetry Should Lanterns Shine" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its role in illuminating the human experience. Thomas believes that poetry should be great and unobtrusive, like a lantern that shines in the darkness. He explores the themes of nature, escapism, communication, self-expression, and art, using metaphor, imagery, and symbolism to convey his message. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to inspire, comfort, and enlighten us.
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